Pay what you can, and then contact the gas, electricity or water company. For gas and electricity you may be offered a budget scheme or a card / token meter. For water you can apply to the arrears allowance scheme (external website).
The arrears allowance scheme will cover the cost of the water you are using now, plus an amount each week to pay off what you owe over time. The water supplier will match the amount you pay towards the arrears. Make sure you do not agree to pay more than you can afford. If you are asked to pay too much, get advice.
United Utilities and British Gas have trust funds that may pay a grant to clear any arrears you have with them. Should you have arrears with either of these companies, contact them for details of their charitable trusts. Other water suppliers may also run similar schemes.
If you get the 'Guarantee' part of Pension Credit
You can sometimes have the money for gas, electricity or water, plus a set amount for the money you owe, stopped from your benefit and paid direct to the company. Ask the Pension Service about this or get help from a Debt Adviser.
Can the Company Cut off Your Gas, Electricity or Water?
All the companies have a set procedure to go through before they cut off these supplies. If you are a pensioner, and you do not live in the same place as an adult of working age, gas and electricity companies should not cut you off in the winter months however much you owe them. If your gas or electricity is about to be cut off, act quickly.
Your water supply cannot get cut off.
There are many different companies you can buy your gas and electricity from. Whichever company you have, the electricity in the wires or the gas in the pipes will stay exactly the same. The only difference is the prices and the company you pay bills to. Different companies will have different prices and different ways of charging. When choosing a company, check that you will be able to pay your bills in the way that suits you. Find out more about switching suppliers.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
September 2005
Date Reviewed:
24 March 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
FeedbackDid you find this page useful? Yes or No