UK Bill Help

If you are having difficulty with paying water costs, then contact Affinity Water. The company will try to work with customers to provide some type of solution to their financial hardship. A number of programmes as well as company schemes can be explored, and they do what they can to prevent a disconnection of water services. Some of the main resources that may be available are below.

Schemes from Affinity Water

The Water Direct Scheme can also help customers with their bills. This is for Affinity Water households that get Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance. The applicant also needs to be behind on their current payments.

Call 0800 697 982 to explore this assistance programme. If you are found to be qualified, then your water costs will be paid directly from your government benefits. This simplifies the customer’s payment process and will ensure that Affinity is paid. This can be another resource for keep your service connected, and is even widely available.

A limit can be placed on your monthly bills from the Low Income Tariff. It will in effect allow customers to budget more effectively as they will know their expenses on a monthly basis. The limits will also free up their income for other basic needs they have. This Tariff tends to only for very low income families and those that may be receiving some other form of social services or government benefits. But it can be an option for a struggling household to explore.

The Affinity Water programme will usually be for those customers that have an income in the range of £15,860, excluding any government benefits. However that scale can change as well. The latest information can be provided by staff at the water provider.

The limit can also be for people that receive benefits from the government. For example, it may be an option for individuals or families that are on Income Related Employment, Support Allowance, or that may receive a Housing Payment Benefit. So there are some different eligibility conditions in place. More information can be provided by the company, and if questions, call them.

The SoLow Tariff is another discount scheme that can reduce a monthly bill. This is designed for extremely low water users who have a meter installed. A customer using less than 75 cubic metres of water annually may qualify. Calls for the SoLow discount scheme may be directed to 0845 791 9155.

The WaterSure scheme could help cap the bills of higher water users. Families with at least three children living in the home can be eligible. It also can benefit a household member that has a medical condition that requires higher water usage. A meter will track the actual usage, though the bills are generally limited so that they are not unaffordable. Requests to access the WaterSure scheme may be made by calling 0345 357 2406.

Sewerage charges may be eligible for a reduction for certain homes where stormwater does not drain to the sewer. The specific sewerage provider must be contacted to request help. Call on 0345 714 5145 for Anglian Water, 0845 279 0845 for Southern Water or 0845 920 0800 for Thames Water.

Grants and charities help pay Affinity Water bills

This will be money provided directly to the customer. Or some Affinity Water customers may be given a voucher or credit. Grants were formerly provided by the Affinity Water Trust. This charity trust was independently operated to provide grants to lower income water customers who encountered a crisis. An Affinity Water communications executive confirmed that the trust is no longer in existence.

Affinity Water also partners with not-for profit organisations. They will recommend people always seek some form of advice as well, such as Step Change Debt Charity, your local Citizens Advice Bureau, National Debtline, and many others. These not-for profits can also help low income families. The centres will usually provide customers referrals and information on programmes available to them.

Other options may be available as well. As noted, individuals should always call as soon as they start to struggle. Call and request help or a payment plan as soon as possible. Staff will notify you of options, schemes, and other programmes that may be available. Or they can link the customer to a grant scheme for their bills. Affinity Water can be reached at 0800 697 982.

This utility provider will not take action against any customer that agrees to and follows a payment arrangement. They may not be able to reduce the amount of the bill, but there can be much flexibility in setting up an instalment schedule so that repayment can be made through a timeframe that is affordable.