Existing debt on prepayment meters

Calculator icon If you have an existing debt on a prepayment meter, the supplier will try to recover the debt as quickly as possible.

There is a minimum repayment by law which is usually around £3.70 per week. If your supplier has set the repayment plan above this or what you can afford, then:

  1. Ring your supplier
  2. Ask for the minimum repayment plan to be set up - around £3.70 per week

If you have any problems, please contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 so that we can assist you.

Standing charges and debt on prepayment meters

If you have not ‘topped’ up your meter for long periods, debt will build up on your meter due to the daily standing charges.  This means that when you top up again, all your credit will be used towards the debt.

You can move the debt and set up a repayment plan, to do this:

  1. Ring your supplier
  2. Ask for the standing charge debt to be moved into a repayment plan
  3. Remember the minimum repayment plan
  4. A signal will be sent to your meter via your card to move the debt

If you have any problems, please contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 so that we can assist you.

Get a trust fund to help with debt

united utilities logoUnited Utilities Trust Fund can consider giving some help to meet other essential bills, household needs or priority debts, for example, gas, electric or water debts.

You need to complete a Trust Fund application form which you can download here, or you can speak to them directly on 0845 179 1791.   

If you need assistance completing your Trust Fund form, you can contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000.