Yorkshire Water bill assistance possible through Helping Hands

For customers of Yorkshire Water, high water costs can be an unwelcome bill. The company provides a possible reprieve for households who cannot afford to pay the full amount. They call it Helping Hands.

Helping Hands is a social programme that is provided for the benefit of Yorkshire Water customers that are struggling with paying for their basic needs. It is administered for public benefit so that residents who have experienced economic hardship are able to keep their service on without interruption.

Yorkshire Water Bill Assistance Grants

Customers that are unable to repay any arrears on their account may request financial assistance. While there are several programmes available, the main one is through the Yorkshire Water Community Trust. This charity is a independent entity that provides help for clients that meet income and other conditions. This may be due to chronic financial problems or a temporary crisis.

These grants are designed for households experiencing extreme hardship with the inability to repay a number of bills. If your application is approved, you could benefit from a cash payment made on your behalf directly to the provider. While the funds are limtied, it can make a difference. You may apply a maximum of once every two years. To apply or request more information, contact the Yorkshire Water Community Trust at 0845 1 24 24 26.

Help with Arrears

Are you late on your water bill? Do you owe money from last year? Do you owe more than £500? The Resolve Scheme can help you catch up on arrears by splitting up the delinquent amount over 12 monthly instalments.

To qualify for this Helping Hands service, you must be considered low income and there may also be other eligibility standards. If anyone is currently receiving one of a number of credits, then you may be approved for the Resolve Scheme. Call 0845 1 299 299 to see if you qualify.

Information on WaterSure Scheme

By obtaining a  meter, you could cap your monthly bill even if you use more than the average residential customer. So this programme will allow people to better control their costs. WaterSure is available to households that require additional water due to a number of medical conditions.

Ask yourself whether anyone in the household receives the Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related Employer Support Allowance, or Income Support. Or some households may qualify if they get the Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit. If so, and you have or are willing to install a water meter, then you could be entitled to a lower bill through the WaterSure Scheme.

A number of medical conditions can qualify you for a lower monthly expense through WaterSure. To apply for the scheme, call 0845 1 24 24 24. They can show you how to complete an application and mail it in for consideration.

Instalment Payment Plans

If you have a high water bill and need help making your payment on a monthly basis, you may be able to take advantage of a flexible payment plan. This is another benefit of the Helping Hands programme. You may have the option to catch up on your bill through 8 instalments if you don’t have a meter. However, there are other options, and some people may have up to 12 instalments if you do have a water meter.

The purpose is to allow you to keep your services active while catching up on a delinquent bill. If you can spread out the repayment, it may make it easier to catch up without having to borrow money or leave another financial obligation you have unpaid. Questions and requests for a flexible instalment plan can be made by calling Yorkshire Water at 0845 1 24 24 24.

Free Water Meter

A household may benefit from a lower household bill by installing a meter in their home or flat. Yorkshire Water may install one meter free of charge for each household that is found to be qualified. A water meter can help you monitor your usage and actually allow the customer to save money when you utilise less than comparable households of similar size.

Yorkshire Water has been distributing free conservation packs as a part of its conservation programme. Additionally, a ShowerSave gadget can reduce your water usage per minute. These devices can reduce your overall  usage, resulting in a lower monthly bill.

For more information on these or any other Yorkshire Water bill assistance initiative, call the customer hotline at 0845 1 24 24 24.