How to save £270 on water bills if you’re on Universal Credit or benefits
STRUGGLING families on benefits including Universal Credit could shave £270 on average off their bills by signing up to a scheme called WaterSure.
This sees bills capped for certain households in England and Wales, meaning you'll never pay more than the average regardless of how much water you use.
Here's what you need to know.
Do I qualify for WaterSure?
To qualify for the scheme you need to already have a water meter installed, and you'll have to prove you need to use a lot of water.
So you need to have three or more children under the age of 19 living in the house, and receive child benefit for them.
Or someone living in the house must have a medical condition that means you need lots of water, such as weeping skin diseases like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
You'll also need to receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Some water suppliers also offer WaterSure if you're on Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments.
You won't qualify if you use a garden sprinkler system or have a pool.
How much can I save using WaterSure?
How much you can save using WaterSure depends on how much you pay for your bills.
Water bills vary depending on where you live, and unlike other household bills, you can't switch your supplier.
For those with a water meter, your bills are also determined based on how much water you use - as measured by the meter.
If you don't have a water meter, you pay a set amount based on the council tax band your property falls into.
What you can do now to save money on your water bills
HERE are a few ways that you can cut your bills and keep costs down.
- If you’re struggling to pay your bill, discuss it with your water company. Some offer freebies to help you reduce the amount of water you use, such as save-a-flush devices and special showerheads
- Check what water and sewerage services you receive and claim a rebate for any you're not getting
- Check that you are paying the correct tariff
- If you aren't already on a meter, check if you can reduce your bill by having one installed free of charge. CCWater has an which can help you see if you'll be better off
- If you have more people in your house than rooms, you'll probably save money by having a meter
- Read your meter regularly - it can help save you money
- Look for ways to reduce your water usage if you're on a meter eg turning off the taps when you're brushing your teeth
But with WaterSure, bills are typically capped at the average amount for your supplier regardless of how much water you use - and some set the cap even lower than the average.
So with Thames Water, for example, you'll pay no more than £398 a year, while it's capped at £327.40 for those living in Wales.
The average saving, according to water watchdog the Consumer Council for Water, is £270 a year based on the current rates - but this can vary wildly from as little as £10 to as much as £400 a year.
How do I apply for WaterSure?
If you live in England, you need to apply for the scheme directly from your water supplier - just contact the customer services team or search for the scheme online and fill in the online form.
In Wales, you need to contact .
Is there any other help for those struggling with water bills?
Yes. Lots of water suppliers also have social tariffs designed to slash bills for customers with lower incomes. Check out our water bills guide for supplier-by-supplier information.
Many water companies also run hardship schemes or have charitable trusts that can help you pay off any arrears.
You can contact your water supplier or visit its homepage to see what services are available.
Alternatively, consider switching to a water meter. A good rule of thumb is that you could pay less if there are fewer people in your property than there are bedrooms. Use the to see if you can save.
The rules are different in Scotland, so contact your local authority to see if there are any ways you can save.
Households in Northern Ireland don’t pay for water bills as the cost is covered by the government.
More on money
Water bills went up by £16 a year in April – here's how to cut your bill.
But water bills are set to fall by up to £110 over the next five years, under new rules.
Sky, BT and AA best firms to haggle with – and you could save HUNDREDS of pounds.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.