Water bills are set to increase in England and Wales in April, with some areas facing a 13% price hike. The increase, which equates to around £33 per year, or an extra £2.70 per month, will help fund significant upgrades to water infrastructure, says Water UK.

It follows last year’s record rise in charges and will take the national average water bill to £639 per year. David Henderson, chief executive at Water UK, said: “We understand increasing bills are never welcome, but the money is needed to fund vital upgrades.” The increase is 2% higher than inflation but comes as companies prepare to invest £20 billion over 2026-27 to secure water supplies and end sewage entering rivers and seas, Water UK said.

Any increase will be most damaging to those on low incomes, making it vital for people to check what help is on offer.

Most water companies offer “social tariffs” that provide discounted rates for those who claim certain benefits or meet income thresholds. Some discounts are worth up to 90%.

However, a huge £745million worth of water bill support went unclaimed in 2024, Policy in Practice’s latest report shows, which could provide a vital lifeline for those struggling.

Customers with a household income below £19,995 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit may qualify.

The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £143.80, with a lower fixed rate of £95.80 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.

If the bill payer and all the adults in the household receive Pension credit, they may qualify for a discount of around 20%.

Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £21,011 (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 receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £12,000 (one person), £18,100 (two people), or £19,100 (three or more people) can qualify.

Bills are capped at £319.03 per year (£128.17 for water, £190.86 for sewerage).

Households earning less than £26,000 or those where a member receives Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) can receive up to a 40% discount on their annual bill.

This scheme reduces annual water charges depending on household size and income, and the bill will be reduced according to a customer’s circumstances (lowest combined bill £59).

Customers with a water meter can access various discount schemes. Eligible households can receive up to 50% off water and sewerage charges.

Households earning less than £26,000 or with a member receiving Pension Credit, whose water bill is 3% or more of net income, may qualify. Discounts of up to 40% are available.

Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) can have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year.

This scheme supports low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.

Customers with a household income below £17,000 (excluding disability benefits) will receive a 50% reduction on their bill.

Those with an annual household income between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% reduction on their bill.

Households earning less than £22,020 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000 may receive a discount of between 45% and 90%.

Households qualifying only through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.

Households earning less than £22,011 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) may qualify.

Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. A 20% reduction will be applied in year three.

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

Customers spending 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.

Eligibility is based on income: households earning below £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London (excluding disability benefits).

Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Households spending more than 5% of their net income on water bills may receive a 50% discount.

Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,500 a year due to a recent life event may qualify.

Depending on individual circumstances, water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year.

This scheme offers discounts of up to 90% for those struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or relying solely on the state pension get a 20% annual reduction.

Depending on individual circumstances, customers on low incomes can have their annual bill capped at either £270, £354, or £409.