If you’re finding it difficult to pay your water bill due to financial hardship or a recent change in financial circumstances, we may be able to provide help to reduce or clear your arrears through our debt support schemes.
Crisis Fund
The crisis fund scheme is designed to help clear arrears that have built up on your account due to exceptional circumstances. If your application is successful, we may be able to clear some or all the arrears on your water bill.
What is a crisis?
Some examples of exceptional circumstances are:
- Terminal illness
- A serious/debilitating illness (not terminal)
- Abuse which has meant you’ve been unable to pay your water bill
How do I qualify for The Crisis Fund?
You’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Provide evidence of the crisis
- Have a significant water debt of at least £500 with arrears of at least one year
- Pay for your current usage
- Your arrears must be older than or include your previous rateable value bill or your last two metered bills
- You’ve paid towards your water bill in the past 12 months
- You can complete the application form
How to apply
It’s easy – just fill out our online form and we’ll review your application and follow up with any additional questions if necessary. It's important to make sure you provide evidence when submitting the form, otherwise it could delay the application process. We’ll then contact you to let you know the outcome.
Alternatively, if you'd rather not fill out the online application form - you can print the application form and send it through the post to:
Affinity Water Ltd, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9EZ.
Payment Matching Scheme
What is the scheme?
Our Payment Matching Scheme is designed to help clear the arrears that may have built up on your water account. If your application is successful, we'll match any money you pay towards your arrears. And if you stick to the agreed 2-year plan, we'll even pay off any remaining arrears at the end of the scheme.
How does it work?
Each month, you'll need to pay your current water bill and make an affordable payment towards the arrears on your account. Don't worry, we'll work closely with you to agree on a suitable payment plan that fits your budget.
If you keep up with the agreed regular payments each year, we'll match the money you've paid towards your arrears. And at the end of two years, we'll clear any remaining arrears.
But please note, this is a one-off opportunity. If you fall into arrears again or don't maintain the agreed payment plan on the scheme, we'll work with you to find the most appropriate solution, but the payment matching scheme will not be available again.
How do I qualify for Payment Matching?
To qualify for our Payment Matching Scheme, you'll need to meet the following criteria:
- Make payments that cover your current water usage and make a contribution towards your arrears. We understand everyone's financial situation is different, so we'll work closely with you based on your income and expenses to make sure the payments are genuinely affordable for you.
- Have a significant water debt of at least £500 with arrears of at least one year.
- Complete the application form, including details of your income and expenses. This information will help us make sure that the payment plan is affordable for you.
- Have an active Affinity Water account and be responsible for the water bill at your property.
- Commit to maintaining regular payments towards your current water bill and arrears over the next two years.
Key things to know
Here are some key details you should know about our Payment Matching Scheme:
How much will you pay each month?
We understand that each individual's financial situation is unique. That's why we'll work with you to agree on the right payment amount based on the information you provide in your application form. Typically, we would expect you to pay for your current water bill and contribute around £15 per month towards your arrears.
How much will you receive?
At the end of each year, we'll match the contribution you’ve made towards your arrears. So, if you've paid an extra £15 per month, we'll match £180 at the end of the first year, and the same goes for following year. At the end of the second year, we'll also clear any remaining arrears.
If you miss a payment
We understand that sometimes unexpected things happen and it can be difficult to stay on track with payments. If you believe that you're going to miss a payment, please get in touch with us. We're here to help you get back on track. However, if you miss more than one payment, we'll need to remove you from the scheme, and your account may then be subject to our standard debt collection process.
What are the consequences of setting up a payment matching arrangement?
Like many other utility companies, we share some of your information with Credit Reference Agencies (CRA’s). Setting up a payment matching arrangement, could still impact your credit score as your account is still overdue. This means that your account status (missed payments) will reflect that your account is in arrears until you're able to clear your balance. To learn more about how we use and share your data please visit affinitywater.co.uk/sharing
Remember, every drop counts, and we're here to support you on your journey to becoming debt-free. Apply for our Payment Matching Scheme today and let's clear your arrears together!
How to apply
It’s easy – just fill out our online form and we’ll review your application and follow up with any additional questions if necessary. It's important to make sure you provide evidence when submitting the form, otherwise it could delay the application process. We’ll then contact you to let you know the outcome.
Alternatively, if you'd rather not fill out the online application form - you can print the application form and send it through the post to:
Affinity Water Ltd, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9EZ.