Northern Community Bank recently sat down with the team from United Utilities to find out about the industry leading support schemes offered to customers who are struggling with their water bills.
United Utilities are currently supporting, through a variety of schemes, 200,000 customers across the North West
The increase in energy bills and cost of living means we’re all feeling the pinch. We know it’s a difficult time and we really don’t want you to worry about your water bill. Please get in touch if you’re having payment difficulties so that we’re aware of this and can provide the right support.
The United Utilities team walked us through 7 schemes designed to support customers struggling with their water bills
Lowest Affordable Water Bill
WaterSure and WaterSure Plus
- If you have a water meter and receive benefits, and use a lot of water due to ill health or having a large family, the WaterSure and WaterSure Plus scheme caps your annual bill, regardless of how much water you use
- It’s pretty simple really. If you have a water meter, receive benefits and have a good reason for using lots of water – such as three or more children living at home or a medical condition – you may well qualify
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Back on Track
- If you’re finding it difficult to pay your bill and you’re either receiving benefits or on a low income following a recent change in financial circumstances, United Utilities may be able to help
- The scheme is suitable for customers either receiving benefits, or on a low income and finding it difficult to pay their bill following a recent change in financial circumstances (such as redundancy or a reduction in current income)
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-account/your-bill/difficulty-paying-your-bill/how-we-can-help/back-on-track/” text=”Find out More” ]
Low Income Water Discount
- Support for customers with low household incomes
- A new social tariff that provides a fixed annual bill discount for qualifying low-income households. Criteria does apply and includes being in Social housing and receiving benefits including support with rent.
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Help to Pay
- The Help to Pay scheme provides a bill discount for low income pensioners receiving Pension Credit
- Customers accepted on to the scheme will have their annual charges capped at a lower amount. The amount you pay will depend on whether you live alone or with other adults at the same address who also receive Pension Credit
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Help With Arrears
United Utilities Trust Fund
- Through the United Utilities Trust Fund – If you’re in real financial hardship, you could qualify for a one off payment to help clear your debts and start a fresh
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Payment Matching
- If you need debt support, the Payment Matching scheme means that for every £1 you pay, they’ll match it with £1 too, with the contribution increasing to £2 if you continue to make payments until your debt is cleared
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-account/your-bill/difficulty-paying-your-bill/eligibility-criteria/difficultypaying/” text=”Apply Here” ]
Short Term United Utilities Support
Payment Break
- If you’re struggling with your bill due to losing your job or having to pay out for an unexpected household emergency, the Payment Break scheme can help by delaying your payments for an agreed period of time
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The United Utilities team stresssed
Remember, if you’re struggling with your water bill payments please complete our form – we’re already helping more than 200,000 customers with their water bills.
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Cheaper With a United Utilities Meter Scheme
The Unities Utilities team also highlighted a scheme where their water meter could save you money.
First, find out from your water bill how much you currently pay each year. Next, let us know how many people live in your household. We’ll then give you an idea of how much you can save each year with a water meter.
The team explained that, their lowest bill guarantee means you won’t be worse off during your two year trial and if you don’t make a saving you can switch back to your fixed bill – “you can’t lose!“
The team made it clear that
The calculator found on the website is suitable for customers who pay for water and wastewater services which is the majority of our customers. For the small number of customers who only pay for water services (for example, you have a septic tank which collects your wastewater) we can still work out your saving, please call us on 0345 672 2999.
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-account/all-about-water-meters/apply-for-a-water-meter/You-can-save-with-a-water-meter/” text=”Find out More” ]
Friend or family member struggling with their United Utilities bills?
Maybe it is not you sturggling but you have a friend or member of the family who is having difficulties paying their water bills? The United Utilities helpline can provide you with lots of information on the financial support which is available.
Please call 0800 107 8862, available 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 4pm on Saturday.
