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<p>Water, phone and broadband companies are willing to give millions of people discounted deals on their bills.</p>
<p>Social tariffs &#8211; sometimes known as essential, or basic, tariffs &#8211; can reduce bills for people on various benefits. Generally, you only need to ask your supplier to get on one.</p>
<p>Importantly, they are not price promotions designed to attract customers, but lower bills for the same service for those who would otherwise struggle to pay.</p>
<p>Most people who have fallen behind on paying their bills are unaware this help is available, a <a target="_self" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdjkevgv9rzo">major report</a> has suggested.</p>
<p>These tariffs vary between suppliers and the lower cost of them is often covered by higher bills for everyone else.</p>
<p>Getting one does require you to get in touch with your supplier and provide some evidence &#8211; but that does not take very long.</p>
<p>If your name is on the contract and you receive benefits such as universal credit, or pension credit, then companies may be able to give you a discounted deal.</p>
<p>For broadband and phone contracts, regulator Ofcom has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs">a list of social tariffs</a> provided by suppliers.</p>
<p>If yours is on the list, and you are eligible, then you can switch free of charge, and it won&#8217;t cost to leave the contract either.</p>
<p>For water bills, every supplier in England and Wales has a social tariff &#8211; but who is eligible and the level of support varies between them. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/help-with-bills/#social-tariffs">consumer group for water customers has a list</a>.</p>
<p>To apply, you generally need to provide some proof, such as details of the benefits you receive.</p>
<p>Scottish Water does not offer a social tariff, but there are other options available. In Northern Ireland, people are helped through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/community/customer-care-register">Community Care Register</a>.</p>
<p>Social tariffs are not available on household gas and electricity bills &#8211; despite pressure from some, including regulator Ofgem, for their introduction.</p>
<p>Instead, suppliers offer a host of support schemes if you are struggling to pay, or are likely to find it difficult.</p>
<p>The trade body for the sector, Energy UK, has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/customers/support-with-energy-bills/">a list of these schemes</a>. But it stresses that companies can often only help if you get in touch with your supplier to tell them you are unable to pay.</p>
<p>Free debt charities, such as Citizens Advice, are very experienced in helping people and can provide independent advice.</p>
<p>But it is worth being alert about scams &#8211; some criminals will try to exploit the situation by sending what look like official messages and emails. Never reply to such an unsolicited contact.</p>

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