Broadband and internet
If you are getting one of a variety of means tested benefits, you may be able to get a social tariff, making your bills much lower.
For example BT offer a Home Essentials plans from £15 a month.
First, check if your current provider offers a social tariff. You can apply for most tariffs online, or call your provider and ask to switch.
If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does. Your provider might let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/broadband-social-tariffs
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs
both explain the options and how to apply.
Water
Essex and Suffolk Water offers a low income discount of up to 50% of your bill if one of the following applies to you:
- your total household income is less than £23,933, and your annual water and sewerage bill is more than 3% of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments) or
- someone in your household receives Pension Credit, and your annual water and sewerage bill is 3% or more of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments)
https://www.eswater.co.uk/lowincomediscount gives details of the scheme and how to apply
Watersure – bill cap scheme
This scheme caps your metered bill, so you don’t pay extra if you need to use more water due to a large family or a medical condition that requires a lot of water, and you receive income-related benefits.
https://www.eswater.co.uk/watersure gives details of the scheme and how to apply
Energy
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will usually apply the discount to your bill automatically.
You qualify if you are on one of a variety of means tested benefits or on tax credits with a low income and have high energy costs. Your property must have a high energy cost score to be eligible for the scheme. This is not based on the actual energy costs in your energy bill. It’s calculated based on your property’s type, age and floor area.
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
If you would like help with these or any other subject, please contact Maldon & District Citizens Advice 01621 875774 and an adviser will ring you back, or via our website www.maldoncitizensadvice.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.