Struggling to pay your water bill – check if you can get help
Struggling to pay your water bill – check if you can get help
If you’re feeling the pinch read our guide on the range of financial help available from Southern Water.
Essentials tariff
If you are struggling to pay your water charges you may be eligible for at least 45% discount on your future bills thanks to the Essentials tariff if:
- Your household income is less than £21,000 (excluding Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment) and you have savings of less than £16,000
- Someone in your household receives Pension Credit
If you think you meet the criteria above all you need to do is contact Southern Water or call 0800 027 0363 and ask about signing up for a discounted rate.
WaterSure
If you are on a water meter and need to use a lot of water at home you could be eligible to have your bills capped. This means you wouldn’t pay more than the average water bill in your area and don’t have to cut back because you are worried about how you will pay your bill.
To qualify for help someone in your household needs to be receiving one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
In addition
- You must have three or more children under 19 living with you who are in full-time education, or
- Someone living in the household who has a medical condition that means they have to use more water
For more information about Watersure call 0800 027 0363 or apply online.
New Start Scheme
If you owe money to Southern Water for an outstanding debt and you haven’t been able to make a payment for a while, you may be eligible to receive help to pay off your bill.
For more information about the New Start scheme simply apply online or call 0800 027 0363.
Extra help and support available
And, as we reported in last month’s Tenants’ Link don’t forget that you can apply to join the Priority Services Register if you need additional support with your water supply or you cannot be without water.
