Information Sheet

Eligibility:

• Residential property owners (must reside in the property) or tenants are able to apply.
• There must be a debt to Watercare (not to a landlord or Property Owner)
• Have not received assistance from WUCAT in the previous 18 months.
• Application form must be completed by a Financial Mentor/Budget Advisor OR submit an up to date household budget (no more than three months old) with the application form. The budget advisor may make a recommendation on payments and/or write-offs.
• Are prepared to commit to a payment plan to cover future Watercare monthly bills.
• Have not refused to pay the Watercare account
• May be asked to make payments via Work & Income redirection (if applicable).
• Are prepared to work with the Trust regarding possible water leaks if identified.

How it works:

• Once the application is received, Watercare are advised and this puts a hold on any additional non-payment charges or water restriction texts.
• The application is discussed at the monthly Trust meeting (held second Wednesday of each month).
• A payment plan is set up to meet future monthly Watercare invoices (i.e. if the monthly invoice is $100 payments of $25 per week are likely to be requested). The average monthly amount is assessed from the previous 12 month Watercare invoices.
• The debt to Watercare can be written off. The amounts and timing of this depends on the debt and previous payments to Watercare.
• WUCAT may ask for a free water audit to be carried out if the bills appear high for the number of occupants.
• WUCAT may be able to assist with plumbing repairs following the water audit.
• WUCAT have information sheets on ways to save water, carrying out a leak test and other water saving incentives.