UK residents are facing a pressing call to verify their eligibility for a water bill discount ahead of the significant hikes set to take effect in April. As the standard living expenses tighten, Money Wellness, a complimentary debt advice service, has warned that water arrears have escalated, with a worrying 38% of those seeking debt aid last month lagging on payments-an increase from 32% the preceding year.

The industry regulator, Ofwat, recently announced an eye-watering average rise of 25%, translating to an additional £123 yearly starting April 1. This surge will adjust the typical combined annual water and wastewater charge from £480 to a hefty £603, punctuating monthly bills with an approximate £10 increase.

Geographical differences will lead to varying degrees of impact, but customers of Southern Water are braced for the most substantial bump of 47%, driving their average yearly charges up to £703. Figures released by Money Wellness underscore the intensifying strain on finances, revealing one-fifth of families struggled to meet their water bill costs in the past year, with 8.2% falling into arrears.

In contrast, available assistance such as reduced tariffs remains largely underutilised; Policy in Practice's latest findings indicate a staggering £974million of water bill social tariffs were unclaimed as of 2024.

Sebrina McCullough, Money Wellness' director of external relations, issued an urgent reminder: "Many water companies offer discounts if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support."

Here's a summary of what each provider offers.

Customers with a household income below £18,725 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit can qualify. The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £119.50, with a lower fixed rate of £79.70 for those receiving council tax reduction/support.

Eligibility is based on an individual financial assessment. Customers who qualify can receive up to 50% off their annual bill through a reduced metered tariff.

This scheme is for customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must have a water meter or be on assessed charges.

Discounts are applied in bands ranging from 15% to 85%.

Low-income households facing financial difficulty can access a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average annual bill.

Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £20,500 (plus £1,500 per child) may qualify. Eligible households receive a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year.

If claimants have no income while waiting for a Universal Credit application, charges are fully waived for eight weeks.

Customers who are on income-related benefits and have household incomes below £11,600 (for one person), £17,400 (for two people), or £18,800 (for three or more people) can qualify for a cap on their bills at £290.03 per year.

Essex and Suffolk Water's SupportPLUS scheme offers up to a 50% discount on the annual bill for households earning less than £23,933 or those where a member is receiving Pension Credit and whose water bill accounts for 3% or more of their net income.

Hafren Dyfrdwy's Here2Help scheme provides a reduction in annual water charges by up to 70%, depending on the size of the household and its income.

Hartlepool Water's Lite scheme offers various discount schemes for customers with a water meter. Eligible households can receive up to 50% off water and sewerage charges.

Northumbrian Water's SupportPLUS scheme offers discounts of up to 50% for households earning less than £23,933 or with a member receiving Pension Credit and whose water bill is 3% or more of their net income.

Portsmouth Water's Helping Hand Tariff allows households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) to have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

Severn Trent Water's Big Difference scheme supports low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.

South East Water also offers support for customers.

Customers with a household income of less than £18,725 (excluding disability benefits) can have their annual bill capped at £182.82 (East) or £146.94 (West), as per CCW's guidelines.

Starting from April 1, 2025, a new tiered discount system based on household income will be introduced. Households earning between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% discount, while those with an annual income of less than £17,000 will benefit from a 50% reduction.

Southern Water's Essentials Tariff offers a discount of between 45% and 90% to households earning less than £21,000 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000. However, households qualifying solely through Pension Credit are eligible for a 45% discount.

South Staffordshire Water's Assure scheme may be suitable for households earning less than £20,050 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving the guarantee element of Pension Credit. In the first year, bills are reduced by 60%, followed by a 40% reduction in the second year.

If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.

South West Water's WaterCare scheme is available to customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.

SES Water's Water Support scheme eligibility is based on income: households earning below £18,725 outside London or £23,933 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Thames Water's WaterHelp scheme is also available.

Households that spend over 5% of their net income on water bills could be eligible for a 50% discount.

United Utilities' Back on Track scheme may be an option for customers receiving income-related benefits or those earning less than £21,000 annually due to a recent life event. The scheme caps water bills at a lower rate for the year, based on individual circumstances.

Wessex Water's Assist programme offers up to 90% discounts for those finding it difficult to pay their bills. Pensioners who receive Pension Credit or rely solely on state pension can benefit from a £55 annual reduction.

Yorkshire Water's WaterSupport initiative allows customers on low incomes to have their annual bill capped at £364 for the financial year 2024-25.

As support varies across providers, customers facing difficulties in paying their bills should reach out to their respective water companies to explore available assistance options.