Help is available for those on low incomes – here’s how to check if you’re eligible for a discount
Water bills for households in England and Wales rose this year by an average of £123 – but there are many ways to get help. The rise has pushed the typical yearly bill up to £603, representing an increase of roughly £10 each month.
The impact differs across regions, with some households confronting sharper rises. Southern Water customers, for instance, will face the steepest jump at 47%, driving their average yearly bill to £703.
Nevertheless, assistance is on offer, including reduced tariffs, though many eligible individuals aren’t taking advantage. Research by Policy in Practice shows that £974million worth of water bill social tariffs remained unclaimed in 2024, according to the Express.
Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, explained: “Many water companies offer discounts if you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support.”
Below is a breakdown of what’s on offer from a list of 21 providers.
Affinity Water – Lift
Customers with a household income beneath £19,995 (excluding benefits) or those claiming income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit may be eligible. The scheme limits annual clean water bills to £143.80, with a reduced fixed rate of £95.80 for those claiming council tax reduction/support.
Anglian Water – Lite
Qualification depends on an individual financial assessment. Customers who meet the criteria can secure up to 50% off their yearly bill through a discounted metered tariff.
Bournemouth Water – WaterCare
This scheme is designed for customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must have a water meter or be on assessed charges.
Discounts are applied in bands ranging from 15% to 85%.
Bristol Water – Assist
Low-income households facing financial difficulty can access a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average annual bill. If the billpayer and all the adults in the household receive Pension credit, they may qualify for a discount of around 20%.
Cambridge Water – Assure
Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £22,011 may qualify. Eligible households receive a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year.
If claimants have no income while waiting for a Universal Credit application, charges are fully waived for eight weeks.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU
Customers receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £12,000 (one person), £18,100 (two people), or £19,100 (three or more people) can qualify. Bills are capped at £319.03 per year (£128.17 for water, £190.86 for sewerage).
Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS
Households earning less than £26,000 or those where a member receives Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) can receive up to a 40% discount on their annual bill.
Hafren Dyfrdwy – Here2Help
This scheme offers a reduction in annual water charges based on household size and income, adjusting the bill according to a customer’s circumstances.
Hartlepool Water – Lite
Customers with a water meter can take advantage of various discount schemes. Eligible households could receive up to 50% off their water and sewerage charges.
Northumbrian Water – SupportPLUS
Households earning less than £26,000 or those receiving Pension Credit, whose water bill is 3% or more of net income, may be eligible. Discounts of up to 40% are available.
Portsmouth Water – Helping Hand Tariff
Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) can have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year.
Severn Trent Water – Big Difference
This scheme assists low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.
South East Water
Customers with a household income below £17,000 (excluding disability benefits) will receive a 50% reduction. Those with an annual household income of between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% reduction on their bill.
Southern Water – Essentials Tariff
Households earning less than £22,020 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000 may receive a discount of between 45% and 90%. Households qualifying only through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.
South Staffordshire Water – Assure
Households earning less than £22,011 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) may qualify. Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second.
A 20% reduction will be applied in year three. If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.
South West Water – WaterCare
Customers spending 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.
SES Water – Water Support
Eligibility is based on income: households earning below £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.
Thames Water – WaterHelp
Households spending more than 5% of their net income on water bills may receive a 50% discount.
United Utilities – Back on Track
Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,500 a year due to a recent life event may qualify. Water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year, depending on individual circumstances.
Wessex Water – Assist
This scheme offers discounts of up to 90% for those struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or relying solely on state pension get a £55 annual reduction.
Yorkshire Water – WaterSupport.
Depending on individual circumstances, customers on low incomes can have their annual bill cut by as much as £270.
Customers who are finding it difficult to pay their bills should check with their water company, as the support available can vary from provider to provider.
