Millions could save hundreds of pounds a year with simple claim

Millions could save hundreds of pounds a year with simple claim Millions of households on Universal Credit and Pension Credit may be eligible Millions of families could be overpaying for vital services simply because they haven't claimed lesser-known reductions on their water, broadband and telephone bills. Consumer watchdogs and regulators have cautioned that uptake of so-called social tariffs remains significantly lower than the number of people thought to qualify. The programmes, accessible to many recipients of benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit, provide discounted bills for essential services rather than temporary promotional offers. Campaign groups say lack of awareness continues to be a significant issue, with numerous households in financial difficulty only learning about the reductions after they've missed payments. Citizens Advice has emphasised poor knowledge of social tariffs amongst qualifying consumers, while the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has urged more customers to benefit from assistance provided by water firms. Every water supplier in England and Wales now runs a social tariff programme, though qualification requirements and the extent of support differ between providers. CCW, the statutory consumer champion for the industry, reports that millions of homes have already gained from reduced water charges through these programmes. Broadband and telephone users may similarly qualify for cheaper packages. Telecoms regulator Ofcom lists details of social tariffs available from leading providers and permits qualifying customers to move to them without incurring exit fees. The reductions are intended to assist lower-income households to stay connected while minimising the risk of falling into bill arrears. The application process is generally simple. Customers typically need to get in touch with their supplier directly and supply proof that they are in receipt of qualifying benefits. While social tariffs are available for water, broadband and phone services, there is currently no equivalent nationwide social tariff for gas and electricity bills. Instead, energy firms offer a variety of hardship funds and support schemes for customers struggling to meet payments. Industry body Energy UK says suppliers can frequently provide assistance, but customers generally need to make contact before debts spiral out of control. Consumer experts are also urging households to remain on guard against fraudsters. Scammers routinely target those seeking financial support by sending bogus texts, emails and websites purporting to offer rebates or discounts. Anyone seeking assistance should contact their provider directly through official channels and refrain from responding to unsolicited messages. Useful sources of information include: • Consumer Council for Water (CCW)