Hundreds of thousands of households can draw on £135million in help for water bills next year to help with the cost of living.
However, the help is coming from just one water firm - Anglian Water.
Anglian supplies drinking water to 4.3million people across the East of England and collects and treats used water for almost 7million.
Anglian Water said the cash will help 330,000 customers in 2023. The cash will be used in different ways.
Some of it will be used to discount water bills by up to 50%.
The money will also be used to give temporary payment plans, forgiveness schemes and payment breaks.
This is meant to help cover the cost of bills when people are going through the most challenging times.
Anglian Water also gave £65million to 250,000 customers this year.
Anglian Water director of customer and wholesale services Pete Holland said: “For many of our customers and their families, next year is going to continue to be very difficult. We’re proud of the support that we’ve already provided, but given the incredibly challenging reality for so many, we wanted to go even further to help our customers.
"That’s why, just four months after we announced support for this year, we are launching our largest ever package for those struggling with the cost of living.
“So, whatever the circumstances, our message to customers is: if you’re struggling, please get in touch. The sooner we talk, the sooner we can help.”
The water company is encouraging any customers who are struggling to contact them via their website, Twitter or Facebook accounts or calling on 0800 169 3630.
Millions of families claiming benefits like Universal Credit can lower their household costs through a scheme that caps water bills.
WaterSure allows customers to be protected from paying surging rates even if using more than the average amount of water.
To apply, a household must be using a water meter and have a certain number of school-age children or use a substantial amount of water for medical reasons.
Citizens Advice said: "To apply for the WaterSure scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children.
"You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed.
"If you get your water from Welsh Water you’re covered by WaterSure Wales, which works in a similar way to the English scheme."
To qualify for help under the WaterSure scheme, you or someone living with you needs to be entitled to receive one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit (except families in receipt of the family element only)
- Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
In addition, you need to either:
- Be responsible for three or more children under the age of 19 and in full-time education living in the property, or
- Have (or someone living in the property must have) a medical condition that requires significant additional use of water. Examples include weeping skin diseases (such as psoriasis), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
If you think you are eligible for WaterSure, you will need to apply through your water company.
Some water suppliers also offer WaterSure if you're on Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
