STRUGGLING homeowners could get extra help with their bills as the cost of living rises.
Suppliers have special schemes on to help cash-tight Brits as inflation soars into double digits.
1
For example, Yorkshire Water is funding a £115million bill relief package to help customers struggling to pay bills.
Household bills, including gas, food and water, are rising by hundreds of pounds and putting pressure on many hard-up Brits.
Grants could be worth hundreds of pounds as customers strain to keep up with rising prices.
The exact amount you could get may vary depending on suppliers and where you live, as well as your circumstances and needs.
Yorkshire Water customers could receive up to £200 extra help a month with water bills.
The grant comes as double the amount of customers have asked for bill support in the last three months.
Over 100,000 homeowners will receive help, so make sure to check if you’re eligible.
The package will run from now until 2025.
Most read in Money
To be eligible for the grant, you’ll need to be on low income with difficulty paying your water bills.
You may need to send proof of your water meter or a recent bank statement.
You can apply online if you think you meet the requirements.
Zoe Burns-Shore, director of customer experience at Yorkshire Water, said: “We know from speaking to our customers that there are households impacted by the cost of living crisis that wouldn’t have previously worried about their water bill.
“With inflation growing, their disposable income has dropped, and they now find themselves in a position where they cannot afford it all.
“Our shareholders are committing a further £15 million in response to the extreme cost of living crisis, which will provide some relief to those worried about paying their water bill.”
Other firms are also helping customers pay their bills.
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.
More water bill help
Water companies offer a range of support for struggling households, including schemes like WaterSupport and WaterSure.
These grants help customers pay for water costs if they’re on lower income, are part of a large family or have medical costs to cover.
Lower income families can apply to the WaterSure scheme to save hundreds of pounds on their bill each year.
If you’re on Universal Credit, you may also be able to cap your water bill.
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.
If you’re in debt or you’re struggling to pay your water bills, do get in touch with your supplier.
Each firm has its own scheme, so you’ll need to ask directly.
And if you’re worried about falling behind on bills. there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
