Water Bills Cut by £27 Monthly for Households on Key Benefits
The WaterSure bill-capping initiative is delivering substantial financial relief to eligible households, with average monthly savings reaching £27 for those on specific Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits. This scheme is designed to assist individuals and families facing economic challenges by reducing their water expenses without requiring them to curtail their usage.
How the WaterSure Scheme Operates
WaterSure functions by capping water bills for qualifying metered households, ensuring predictable and manageable costs. Recent data from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) highlights that more than 260,800 metered homes have secured an average annual reduction of £325 through this program. This translates to a consistent monthly saving of approximately £27, providing crucial support for budgeting and financial stability.
Eligibility for the scheme requires households to be on a water meter or in the process of having one installed. In cases where a meter cannot be fitted, assessed charges may also qualify. The primary criterion is receiving one of the designated DWP benefits, which vary slightly depending on the water supplier.
Full List of Qualifying DWP Benefits
All water suppliers participate in WaterSure for households where an individual receives any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Additionally, some suppliers extend eligibility to those on Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments. It is essential to verify specific coverage with your local water company to confirm which benefits are accepted.
Additional Criteria for High Water Usage
Households with elevated essential water consumption may also qualify under WaterSure. This includes situations where a resident has a medical condition necessitating significant water use, such as for treatment or hygiene purposes, or if there are three or more children under the age of 19 in full-time education living at the property.
The individual with the medical condition or the children must reside at the address as their primary home to meet the requirements.
Application Process and Required Documentation
To apply for WaterSure, individuals must complete a form provided by their water supplier and submit supporting evidence. This typically includes a copy of the benefit awards notice to verify eligibility. For medical conditions, documentation from a doctor detailing the condition, its treatment, and its impact on water usage is necessary.
Some water companies accept a stamped confirmation from a general practitioner (GP) on the application form, often provided free of charge. Applicants should confirm with their supplier whether a GP stamp is acceptable before submitting their application to ensure a smooth process.
By leveraging the WaterSure scheme, eligible households can achieve meaningful savings on their water bills, alleviating financial pressure and promoting greater affordability in essential services.
