How does it work?

The HelpU tariff helps the lowest income households in our region. If you qualify, we will cap your water bill so you won’t pay over a certain amount for the year.

If you have a water meter, you will never pay more than the amount you have used. If your consumption is less than the HelpU cap amount, you will only be billed for the amount of water you have used.

The annual HelpU charge is £250.00 (£108 for water, £142 for sewerage). The tariff is open from 1st August 2020.

Are you eligible?

To qualify for the tariff:

the water supply to the household must be for domestic use only

someone in the household must receive at least one means-tested benefit

the combined annual household income must be on or under the threshold for the household size as shown in the table below.

Household Size Income Threshold 1 £9,200 2 £13,900 3+ £15,500

It’s important to let us know the total number of occupants (including children) in your household and to include all the income your household receives from occupiers who live at your property who are aged 16 years and over.

Here’s a list of types of the means-tested benefits which someone in the household must be receiving at least one of:

Pensions Credit

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income Support

Income-related Employment & Support Allowance

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit

Housing Credit

Housing Benefit

Council Tax Reduction / Support

Special Note: We exclude some types of income from the combined annual household income calculation (such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and disability/carer benefits and premiums).

You would also need to reapply for the tariff at the end of every 12 month period.

For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

How do I apply?

You can apply online with our HelpU application form.