Did you know that if your household income is less than £21,000, you may be eligible for 45 per cent off your water bill?
With thousands of Isle of Wight households affected by the cost of living crisis, Cowes North Labour councillor, Richard Quigley, has been in touch with details of how struggling households can save money on their bills.
Southern Water offer a number of ways that can help residents save money on their water bills and you may even be entitled to extra support if you, or someone in your household are either elderly, disabled or have certain medical conditions.
Essentials tariff
If you need help paying your water bill you could qualify for a minimum 45 per cent discount if your household income is less that £21,000 per annum (not including Personal Independence Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance).
Alternatively, if someone at your address receives Pension Credit, you’ll automatically be accepted onto the tariff and receive a 20 per cent discount.
Call the Southern Water free-phone helpline on 0800 027 0800 from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday or alternatively apply online.
Hardship Fund
Southern Water have also set up Hardship Fund to provide extra assistance to those who are experiencing financial difficulty.
Through this fund, they offer three types of assistance:
- A one-off bill reduction (of up to 50 per cent)
- A debt write-off (of up to £2,000)
- A grant for specific home improvements (of up to £1,000)
For more information and access to the online application form, visit the Hardship Fund Web page.
Other schemes
The WaterSure tariff caps your metered water bill if you have to use additional water usage due to a medical condition, or there are three or more children under the age of 19 years old living at home.
NewStart is a payment matching scheme that helps you pay off your Southern Water debt.
Water Direct is a scheme whereby Jobcentre Plus considers paying Southern Water amounts directly from your benefits on your behalf.
Priority Services
Southern Water also offer a feature called Priority Services. This ensures that those in special circumstances can access water services – such as an audio bill, or extra support if there’s disruption to your water supply.
Southern Water keep a register of those who need Priority Services – those eligible to join include:
- Anyone at pensionable age with additional needs such as limited mobility
- Those with a disability or chronic illness
- Those who have mental health challenges
- Residents with a medical condition that means you need additional help (whether long or short term)
- Those who have difficulty seeing, hearing or communicating
- Resident that require assistance with your water account or want a little extra security in protecting your account
Services offered:
- Priority Services ensures that people in special circumstances can access water services – such as extra support if there’s a disruption to their water supply
- Have your bills sent to a friend or relative, or register a unique password
- Large print, braille bills, CD or digital bills
- Talking bills (have your bills explained to you over the telephone)
Call the Southern Water free-phone helpline on 0800 027 0800 from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday or alternatively apply online.
Our thanks to Cllr Quigley for seeking out and sharing these details.
Image: swanky fella under CC BY 2.0
