Martin Lewis alerts millions about £160 off water bills and more, check if you're eligible
More under this adMillions of Brits are missing out on help from their water companies to pay their bills. Find out here if you're entitled to support.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has revealed that more than 5.7 million British households on low incomes are missing out on an average of £160 per year off their water bills. It is thought that only one-fifth of people are getting this 'lesser-known' support that they are eligible for.
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He told Good Morning Britain that this is:
The biggest one of all being missed out, and the least known one.More under this adMore under this ad
Only two in 10 people who are eligible for this are claiming it right now.
Here is the different help available, as reported by Metro:
Water companies' social tariff
As Martin Lewis states 'every water company has to have its own social tariff' so you should 'go on to your firm's website and search social tariffs' to see what support they offer. You can also call them.
More under this adMore under this adYou can figure out what your water company is by using the postcode checker on the Water UK website.
For example, Thames Water customers could be entitled to a 50% off their water bills if their total household income is under £17,005, or under £21,749 in London.
The water company also offers a temporary support scheme for people who are currently spending more than they’re earning as a result of the cost of living crisis. These people are also eligible for 50% discount on their water bills.
More under this adMore under this adAnother company, Severn Trent Water, has a scheme called Big Difference which offers customers with a household income below £20,048 up to 90% off bills.
Read more ⋙ Thousands could get up to £1000 to help with rising bills, here's how to apply
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Help for those on benefits and a water meter
Martin Lewis also highlighted that those on benefits and on a water meter can receive additional assistance. He said:
If you’re on a water meter, the WaterSure scheme is for those on benefits.
If you have medical needs, which means you need to use more water, or you’ve got three plus school-aged children, that’s extra help that you can get as well as this or separately to this.More under this adMore under this ad
To apply for the WaterSure scheme, you must complete a form on your water company’s website and supply evidence that you’re eligible, such as a copy of your awards notice for a benefit and a doctor’s note to prove your health condition.
Successful applicants will have their water bills capped at the average water bill rate that their water company deals with in their area.
More under this adMore under this adFree grants from water companies
Additionally, those experiencing difficulties due to the cost of living are entitled to receive free grants worth hundreds of pounds from their water company.
The exact amount you can receive is based on your circumstances and your water company, with priority given to people experiencing exceptional circumstances, such as those who have lost their jobs.
More under this adMore under this adFor example, Severn Trent Water has handed out more than 3,000 grants, each worth an average of £781.
To apply for a grant, contact your water company directly.
Sources used:
Metro: 'Are you eligible for £160 off water bills? How to check'
Chronicle Live: 'Martin Lewis says millions of people are missing out on £160 a year off their water bills'