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<p>To be eligible for WaterSure, customers must be in receipt of means tested benefits,
which provides an appropriate measure for assessing income, and have either three
or more children under 19 or a medical condition requiring the extra use of water.</p><p>
</p><p>Attendance Allowance is not included as an eligible benefit as it is a non
means-tested benefit. Without an income-related criterion, those who are able to afford
their water bill may receive financial support funded by other lower income households.</p><p>
</p><p>Since the introduction of WaterSure, the legislation has been updated to add
and remove benefits, making sure that WaterSure continues to support those most in
need of assistance. The Government does not intend to change the eligibility criteria
for WaterSure at this time.</p><p> </p><p>Water companies also offer social tariffs,
payment breaks, payment matching, debt advice and referral arrangements, and some
have independent charitable trusts that make awards to help customers in times of
need. The eligibility criteria for social tariffs is not set by the Government, allowing
water companies to address the local and regional needs of their customers.</p><p>
</p><p>We have asked the independent Consumer Council for Water to undertake a review
of existing financial support schemes to ensure consumers who struggle with their
water bills can get the support they need. The review will be published this spring.</p>
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