THOUSANDS of families can get £120 knocked off their bills under a new scheme.
Most suppliers have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs.
Households could get money off their billGetty
Households in Wales can get £120 in financial support through Welsh Water’s new “Cymuned (Community) Support Fund”.
It offers short-term support to working households by giving them a three-month “charge free” period worth between £100 and £120.
The amount will be based on your average annual bills.
Previously, households on certain means-tested benefits were only eligible, but the scheme has now been expanded to help some working households.
You’ll qualify if:
You have a combined income of £50,000 or less a yearYour household bills exceed that incomeYou do not qualify for another Welst Water social tariff or debt scheme.
If you think you’re eligible you must first complete an income and expenditure assessment via either Citizens Advice, Warm Wales or StepChange.
Once that has been completed, you’ll then need to apply via Welsh Water.
What other water bill support is available?
This isn’t the only support available and households across Wales, England and Scotland could get help.
Social tariffs
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income.
Who’s eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company.
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.
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.
United Utilities offers eligible households on benefits including Pension Credit a cap on bills or a reduction worth up to £492 a year.
Wessex Water gives those on low incomes, irrespective of being on benefits, a discount of up to 80% off their original bill.
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.
Grants
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.
For example Severn Trent has given out more than 3,000 grants worth on average £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.
Meanwhile customers of Thames Water whose long-term circumstances mean they can’t afford to buy new essential household goods may be able to get a grant from the Thames Water Trust Fund.
This includes help to buy washing machines, fridges and beds.
Save water, save money
Moving to a water meter along could save you cash depending on how much you use, 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 help to cut your usage and bills.
Freebies include shower timers and buffalo bags, which save water with every flush.
Contact your supplier to ask or check out savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
IF you are struggling with more than water bills, there are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that can offer cash to help.
This could be 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 also plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
National Debtline – 0808 808 4000Step Change – 0800 138 1111Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.