WaterSure Scheme Offers £27 Monthly Savings on Water Bills for Eligible Households
A significant but often overlooked government initiative is providing substantial financial relief to thousands of households across the United Kingdom. The WaterSure bill-capping scheme is designed to assist individuals and families who receive specific Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits by reducing their monthly water expenses.
Recent data released by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) highlights the impressive impact of this program. More than 260,800 metered households have successfully secured an average annual bill reduction of £325 through WaterSure. This translates to a consistent monthly saving of approximately £27, offering crucial support for managing household budgets without requiring any reduction in water usage.
Eligibility Criteria for the WaterSure Program
To qualify for the WaterSure scheme, households must meet several key requirements. The primary condition is the presence of a water meter at the property. However, exceptions are made for those awaiting meter installation or paying an assessed charge due to the inability to fit a meter. The most critical eligibility factor revolves around benefit receipt.
All water suppliers across the UK offer WaterSure to households where at least one resident receives one of the following DWP benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Additionally, some water companies extend eligibility to recipients of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments. It is essential for applicants to verify with their specific supplier which benefits are covered, as policies can vary between providers.
Special Considerations for High Water Usage Households
The WaterSure scheme also accommodates households with exceptionally high water consumption. This typically applies in two main scenarios. First, families with three or more children under the age of 19 who are in full-time education qualify for the program. Second, households where a resident has a medical condition requiring significant water use, such as certain skin conditions or kidney diseases that necessitate frequent bathing or dialysis, are also eligible.
In these cases, the individual with the medical condition or the children must consider the property their primary residence. Documentation from a general practitioner detailing the medical treatment and its impact on water consumption is generally required during the application process.
Application Process and Required Documentation
Applying for the WaterSure scheme involves contacting your water supplier directly to obtain the necessary application form. The process requires submitting proof of eligibility, which typically includes a copy of your benefit award letter from the DWP. For households applying based on medical grounds, a letter from your GP is mandatory.
This medical documentation should outline the specific treatment required and explain how it increases water usage. Some water suppliers accept a simple stamp from your doctor verifying the medical condition, often provided at no cost. However, applicants should confirm with their supplier whether this format is acceptable before submission to avoid delays.
The WaterSure program represents a vital financial support mechanism for vulnerable households, offering tangible savings that can alleviate pressure on tight budgets. With over a quarter of a million households already benefiting, awareness of this scheme could help many more families reduce their essential living costs.
