While it may feel like things are slowly getting back to normal with the Covid-19 pandemic, for many, the impact that it has caused on personal finances has been devastating and could last for years.

If you were struggling with household bills before the pandemic, or if things have recently taken a turn for the worse, Wessex Water has lots of support on offer with your water bill.

Debt Awareness Week (22 – 28 March 2021) aims to get people talking more openly about debt-related issues and, if necessary, acknowledging that they need help and seeking support from the relevant organisations.

For many years, Wessex Water has supported its customers in financial difficulty to make sure their bill is affordable based on their individual circumstances or help them get back on track if they are in debt.

If someone is struggling to keep on top of their bills, the team at Wessex Water wants them to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Here is a full breakdown of the support on offer…

If you have short-term problems paying

Wessex Water can add a flexible payment plan to your account where you can pay less than you need towards your water bill for an agreed period of time and catch up later on when you’re back on track.

This is useful if you are in debt with your water bills, as Wessex Water won’t take any action to recover the debt while you are on a flexible plan.

If you are in receipt of benefits, such as income support, jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit, you can pay any arrears directly from these.

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If you have significant water debt, but can afford ongoing bills

Wessex Water can work with you to reduce and eventually wipe out your water debt over a two-year period, allowing you to start again stress-free.

All you have to do is pay any ongoing bills in full and on time. At the end of year one, you can reduce your debt by an amount equal to how much you have paid. Then if you keep up the full payments to the end of year two, your remaining debt will be completely cleared, putting you fully back on track.

If you’re in extreme financial difficulty, or have suffered a sudden loss of income directly due to Covid-19

For anyone who simply cannot afford their water bill, Wessex Water can lower the bill based on ability to pay.

Similarly, any charities or not-for-profit organisations that provide housing for people in financial difficulty can apply for a lower tariff rather than standard charges.

If you have a low income and unavoidable high water use

Wessex Water can place a cap on your metered bill if you receive benefits or tax credits, as well as child benefits for three or more children living with you under the age of 19, or if someone in your home has a medical condition that requires them to use significantly more water.

Seek independent debt advice

To be accepted for help with some of the circumstances above, Wessex Water may require you to seek independent debt advice first. Debt charity StepChange, which runs Debt Awareness Week, offers free, confidential and expert debt advice online or over the phone. Visit stepchange.org

For more information and to apply for Wessex Water support with your water bill, visit wessexwater.co.uk/helptopay