Kidney Care UK is pleased to share that more people will become eligible for WaterSure, the scheme that can lower water bills for essential high users of water, including people on home haemodialysis, who are on a low income and receive certain benefits.

From 2027, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will be added to the list of qualifying benefits. However, only those with a maximum household income of £25,745 will be eligible. WaterSure is available in England and you can apply through your water supplier.

Kidney Care UK has long campaigned against the unfair costs of kidney disease. We had called on government to extend eligibility for the WaterSure scheme, so welcome the inclusion of these additional benefits. However, we would like the changes to go further and the maximum household income threshold removed so that everyone on this form of dialysis can access the scheme.

People on home haemodialysis use over 3,000 litres of water per week, adding more than £700 to their annual water bills. These costs will be much higher for overnight haemodialysis, which can be gentler on the body and heart and free up days for other activities.

Reimbursement for additional water costs of home haemodialysis should be available from NHS renal units, but amounts people receive vary around the country and often do not cover what can be very high water bills.

Paying the additional costs of undergoing dialysis at home can be a real concern and barrier to choosing this treatment, even if home dialysis is the right choice for the individual.

Kidney Care UK firmly believes that finances should never be a barrier to accessing the most suitable treatment.

The changes will not come into effect until 2027, but you can find out more about current Watersure eligibility on our page, Keeping your home warm.