Affordability

Ask for help before arrears build up.

Water companies have support schemes, but customers often need to ask. The right route depends on income, benefits, household needs, medical use, debt, and meter status.

Support routes

Check every route that could apply.

Capped bill

WaterSure

May help metered households on qualifying benefits with high essential water use due to medical need or a large family.

Low income

Social tariffs

Each company has its own tariff or support scheme. Ask your company and check CCW's help pages.

Debt

Payment plan

Ask for an affordable plan based on income and essential spending. Keep a written record.

Vulnerability

Priority Services

Register for extra help if age, disability, illness, communication needs, or life circumstances make service interruptions harder.

Meter question

A meter can lower bills for some households, but not all.

Ofwat says household customers can usually ask for a free water meter. If a meter cannot be fitted, the company may offer an assessed charge. Check switch-back rights and local rules before deciding.

Official help-paying links

CCW help with bills CCW WaterSure guide Ofwat meter guidance Find your supplier Citizens Advice debt help Ofwat priority services Why bills are rising Customer handbook

What to send

Make the support request specific.

State whether you are asking for WaterSure, a social tariff, a payment plan, debt help, or priority services. Include account number, current bill, income or benefit evidence where required, and household size. Explain medical or essential high-use reasons clearly if relevant. Ask for payments to be paused, spread, reviewed, or recalculated if a complaint is also ongoing. Ask for the answer in writing and keep the date you applied.