Help with water bill ?

Debtworry_2

Hi all,

I am currently receiving housing benefit and income support as a carer, DLA for my son, tax credit and child benefit, I was wondering whether as I am claiming HB do I get any help with my water bill ?

Thanks

welshmoneylover

Debtworry wrote: »

Hi all,

I am currently receiving housing benefit and income support as a carer, DLA for my son, tax credit and child benefit, I was wondering whether as I am claiming HB do I get any help with my water bill ?

Thanks

Why do you think you should get help for your water bill?

Nobody else does.

embob74

it does actually say on the back of your water bill that certain households can get reduced rates. Not sure which households so you would probably have to give the water company a call.

stroodes

Think thats only in England as scotland has council tax and water bills merged and by god we have a high water bill and always raining here.

missmontana

I don't know about getting help, but they can take it out of your benefits on a weekly basis to help spread the cost, this is what I used to do with mine, then there's no big bill and you don't really miss it.

Gothicfairy

Depends on your situation..If it is just getting HB then no , there is nothing out there just for being on benefits but if you use more water then normal due to an illness or have 3 children under 19 then you might be able to get watersure.
You need a meter though as it does not apply to RV bills as they are fixed and thus do not increase due to usage.
Ask your water company about watersure and they will send out the application form..Apply and see what happens.

You can apply for direct payments out of your benefits as well but that is normally for people in debt..again ask your water company, they are the best people to help you.

BigAunty

Here is the specifics on this. As indicated, unless there is a specific disability that requires extra water usage, plus the other circumstance detailed below, you must simply budget for the utility bill or consider if your bills will be cheaper switching to a meter.

"There's another scheme called WaterSure for some vulnerable groups. You or someone in your household would need to be receiving a means-tested benefit and either:

• have responsibility for three or more children under the age of 19 and in full-time education living in the property; or
• have a medical condition that requires significant additional use of water "

http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/finance/Pages/Utilitybills.aspx

pmlindyloo

Have you got a water meter?

Have a look here so see what help is available from your water company.

http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/paying-for-water/help-from-water-companies

Debtworry_2

Thanks for the replies, since my son's mother passed away and I have took residence I am still finding out what / what not i'm entitled to.

Mupette

welshmoneylover wrote: »

Why do you think you should get help for your water bill?

Nobody else does.

I do.



OP if your son has certain medical issues that means he/you uses more water then ask your water company about your needs.

IF you are on a meter they can cap the amount you are charged in a year.

Antispam

You only get help normally if you have 3 or more kids or one has a medical condition which results in you having to use a lot of water. DLA in itself has no baring on getting help I assume this is for water meters as it seems to suggest that the extra usage ie 3 or more kids or health needs would mean you use more water

If you get dla sometime you get help with council tax reduction in some cases and if you get tax credits you may get extra money