Water bills went up for millions this week in a major cost of living blow for households. However, there are some support schemes offered by water suppliers which could potentially cut bills by up to 90%.
On April 1, water bills for households in England and Wales increased by an average of £123 a year – or £10 a month – bringing the average household bill to £603 a year. However, there are significant variations between regions for water bills, and some of the hikes will be much higher.
Southern Water customers see a 47% increase to £703 a year while Hafren Dyfrdwy and South West Water bills are rising by 32%. Thames Water customers face a 31% hike and Yorkshire Water has hiked bills by 29%.
However, support is available, such as discounted tariffs, but many eligible people aren’t claiming. According to Policy in Practice’s research, £974million worth of water bill social tariffs went untapped in 2024. Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: “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.”
Each provider has a different support scheme, and you can only claim help from your water supplier. Here is a breakdown of what’s available.
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Affinity Water customers with a household income below £19,995 – excluding benefits – or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit could be eligible for the supplier’s social tariff.
The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £143.80 a year. However, if you receive a Council Tax reduction/support, you may be entitled to a further reduction which fixes the 2025-26 bill at £95.80.
LITE (Low Income Tariff for Eligible Households) is for customers with low disposable incomes who are struggling to afford their water bill. Eligibility is based on an individual financial assessment, and if you qualify, you can receive up to 50% off your annual bill through a reduced metered tariff. Hartlepool Water customers can access this help as the company is owned by the Anglian Water Group.
This scheme is for customers who spend 5% or more of their income – after housing costs – on water bills. Eligible households can get discounts worth between 15% and 85% on their yearly water bill. To be eligible, you must have a water meter or be on assessed charges.
If you are struggling to pay your water bill and are in a low-income household, you could be given a “large discount” on your bill. However, the exact amount will be dependent on your situation. You do not need to be on benefits to apply for this help. If you receive Pension Credit or if your state pension is your only income, the supplier can offer a bill discount of around 20%.
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If you’re on a low income or receive Pension Credit, your water bill could be reduced by up to 40%. According to the supplier, your household income needs to be below £26,000, and your water bill must be 3% or more of your net income after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments to qualify.
Low-income 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.
You could get up to 70% off the average Severn Trent bill through its Big Difference Scheme. To be eligible, you will need to have a household income below £23,493 a year.
The Scheme will assess your household income when you apply, and that assessment will determine how big a reduction you’re eligible for. Households with child dependants may be eligible for an additional income allowance in excess of this amount.
Customers with a household income below £17,000 – excluding disability benefits – can receive a 50% reduction on their water bills. While households with an annual household income of between £17,000 and £21,000 can get a 30% reduction on their bill.
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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.
Households earning less than £22,011 – plus £1,500 per child – or those receiving the guaranteed element of Pension Credit may qualify for up to 60% of their water bills. Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. A 20% reduction is then applied in the third year. If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.
Customers spending 5% or more of their income – after housing costs – on water bills may be able to get up to 85% off their bills. The discounts start at 15%, and the exact amount you can get depends on your personal circumstances.
To be eligible for a discount worth up to 50% on your water bill, households need to be on a low income of below £19,995 outside of London or £25,207 within. Disability benefits are not included within this, so if you could still be eligible even if your income is higher than the state amounts.
If your bill is more than 5% of your net income, you may be eligible for WaterHelp with Thames Water. The supplier currently offers a 50% discount on your water bill if you qualify.
Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,000 a year due to a recent life event may qualify for a discount on their bill. The amount you can get is dependent on your individual circumstances.
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.
Depending on individual circumstances, customers on low incomes can have their annual bill capped at either £270, £354, or £409.
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