Help with water bill for low income pensioner.

scrumpyjax
scrumpyjax Forumite Posts: 117
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in Water bills
Recently applied to Wessex Water  for a reduction on my bills because I'm on a low income but not low enough for pension credit. 
My request was denied because I have a small private pension in addition to the state one.
My total income is £13,104 .. This is low enough to get housing benefit, council tax reduction, all NHS costs, and hospital fares etc refunded.
So why won't the water company give me the reduction they offer on their claim form??
£13104 might seem a lot but my rent alone is £8100 then there are all the utilities and I do like to eat now and again.
Any ideas would be welcome..

Comments

  • BUFF
    BUFF Forumite Posts: 2,185
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    are you metered?
  • scrumpyjax
    scrumpyjax Forumite Posts: 117
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    Yes metered.. DD is £19.50 atm and about £50+ in credit so I'll be claiming that back and cancelling the DD so they can come and read the water meter when they want paying.
  • QrizB
    QrizB Forumite Posts: 11,511
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    edited 1 May 2022 at 5:53PM
    scrumpyjax said:
    Recently applied to Wessex Water  for a reduction on my bills because I'm on a low income but not low enough for pension credit.
    I take it you didn't apply to this scheme, as it is for Pension Credit recipients only:

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  • Robin9
    Robin9 Forumite Posts: 11,745
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    scrumpyjax said:
    Yes metered.. DD is £19.50 atm and about £50+ in credit so I'll be claiming that back and cancelling the DD so they can come and read the water meter when they want paying.
    Can you read the meter ?   If so read it - give it to WW and get an updated bill.
    Never pay on an estimated bill
  • scrumpyjax
    scrumpyjax Forumite Posts: 117
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    I can't read the meter.. I'm on crutches for a few months and I probably wouldn't get up again :-))  I will get my credit back then arrange for them to do a reading I'm in a rental and not even sure where the meter is anyway.
  • Robin9
    Robin9 Forumite Posts: 11,745
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    Don't expect WW to do a one off meter read for you - they will have their 6 monthly cycle. When did they last read ?

    Can you ask a neighbour/friend ?   If a house meter may be in footpath (mines in the garage) ,  a flat under kitchen sink or in a communal cupboard
    Never pay on an estimated bill
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