What's Water Direct?
Water Direct can help if you’re falling behind on your bills. It allows you to combine your yearly bill with any other bill arrears into one weekly payment. This payment goes straight from your benefits. Water Direct has been designed with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Am I eligible for Water Direct?
You qualify for Water Direct if your account:
- Is active
- Is in debt of £50 or more
- Has had two failed payment plans
You’ll also need to receive one or more of these benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
How do I apply for Water Direct?
The process can take six to eight weeks to complete. Under our privacy policy, we may share information about any money you owe us with the Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre (if you receive Pension Credit). We won’t share your details with anyone else. If your application is successful, you won’t need to worry about further debt recovery action.
If you've changed your mind and no longer want to apply for Water Direct, please contact DWP within 14 days of submitting your application, with your reasons for cancellation. You can do this by calling 0800 169 0310 (or 0800 731 0469 if you claim Pension Credit). For alternative ways to contact DWP, visit the manage deductions from your benefits page on GOV.UK.
Further support
If you need more support or have any questions about your benefits, please contact the relevant service directly.
Job Centre Plus: 0800 169 0190
Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644
Pension service: 0800 731 7898