STRUGGLING households could get free cash to help cover the cost of water bills.
Suppliers have special funds available to help hard-up Brits as the cost of living soars.
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Grants could be worth hundreds of pounds for those who are unable to cover their water costs, or need help buying white goods.
Household bills have risen by hundreds of pounds, from energy and water to food and tax, piling pressure on people’s finances.
The exact amount you can get will vary according to where you live and your supplier, as well as your circumstances and needs.
For example Severn Trent gave away £3.5million last year through its Trust Fund.
It gave out more than 3,000 grants worth on average £781 and helped nearly 400 household buy essential appliances.
Anyone who is struggling can apply for the cash if they are a Severn Trent customer.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances, like losing their job, which means they can’t pay their bill.
Meanwhile Thames Water customers could get help through its charity trust fund.
It offers grants for essential household goods and you must have been referred by a local debt advice agency or charity in the area.
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And residents in East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund where those in crisis can get help, for instance if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness or are a victim or domestic abuse.
You’ll need to apply if you need the help and how to do that will depend on which water company you’re with.
Each firm has its own scheme, so you’ll need to check with yours directly.
You can find out who your local water supplier is using the tool on WaterUK – just enter your postcode.
You can’t switch to another like you can with other utilities.
Similar schemes are available from energy suppliers, like British Gas which is giving grants of up to £1,000 from July 1 – and you don’t have to be a customer.
Water companies also offer other help, on top of grants, including bill reductions to those on low incomes, a cap on bills and water meters.
Billpayers could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
More water bill help
Water companies offer a range of support to struggling households, including a cap on bills for large families and those with certain medical conditions through the WaterSure scheme.
To qualify for the scheme you need to already have a water meter installed, and prove you need to use a lot of water.
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.
Yorkshire Water says its low income customers can save £534 per year on average using WaterSure.
Social tariffs are also an option for those on Universal Credit and you can find out more about who is eligible for both schemes and how to apply in our guide.
Moving to a water meter along could save you cash and you can check if it’s worth it using the consumer council for water’s calculator.
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that shave pounds off your bills.
Contact your supplier or check out savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
Freebies include shower timers and buffalo bags, which save water with every flush.
There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.
This could help with food, bills or buying essential white goods like a cooker or washing machine if you don’t have the cash to hand.
Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
If you’re worried about falling behind on bills. there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
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