MARTIN Lewis has warned that millions of households are missing out on £160 a year in help towards bills.
The MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder spoke on Good Morning Britain earlier this week and told people to see if they qualify for a social tariff on their water bills.
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Addressing viewers he said: “The biggest one of all being missed out, and the least known one.
“Every water company has to have its own social tariff – this is for people on lower incomes.
“Only two in 10 people who are eligible for this are claiming it right now.
“So if you’re on a lower income and you’re struggling to pay your water bill, or even if you’re just on a lower income, go on to your supplier’s website and search social tariffs.”
On top of that, Martin also told viewers to call their provider to see if they offer any other help.
He then noted that support doesn’t end there.
Martin added: “If you’re on a water meter, the WaterSure scheme is for those on benefits.
“If you have medical needs, which means you need to use more water, or you’ve got three plus school-aged children, that’s extra help that you can get as well as this or separately to this.”
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What you could get
Just 1.2 million households or 17% of those eligible are currently on a social water tariff.
But customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company, may be able to get a 50% discount on bills if their total household income is below £17,005, or below £21,749 in London boroughs.
You could also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
And the water company has created a temporary support scheme for those who currently have more money going out than coming in as a result of the rising cost of living.
Under this scheme, customers can get a discount of between 20% and 50%.
Customers of Severn Trent can access its Big Difference Scheme that can take up to 90% off the average customer bill.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £20,048.
To find out what’s on offer from your water company, visit their website.
You can find out who your local water supplier is by using the tool on the WaterUK website and entering your postcode.
Free grants could also help
Most suppliers have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs– and you don’t have to pay it back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds, offering a vital lifeline for those faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Severn Trent has given out more than 3,000 grants, each worth an average of £781 and helped nearly 400 households buy essential appliances.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances, like losing their job, which means they can’t pay their bill.
Residents in East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund which offers help to those going through extreme circumstances.
For instance, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, lose a spouse or are a victim of domestic abuse.
Other options
Aside from grants, water companies provide other ways of helping with bills.
Many billpayers across the country could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
Companies match the payments that eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
If you’re on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £270 on average through the scheme.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
