How to work out what I can pay on a payment plan
How to work out what I can pay on a payment plan
When money is tight, committing to a payment plan can feel overwhelming. The key is to find an amount that fits your budget - while keeping up with essential expenses and choosing a way to pay that works for you.
Step 1: Work out what you can afford to pay
If you're not sure how much you can afford to pay, the National Debt Helpline has guidance to help you work it out.
Moneysmart has a range of helpful tools, like the Budget Planner and the Simple Money Manager, to help you map out your income and expenses in a way that makes sense for you.
They also have support for accessing financial tips in various languages.
Step 2: Break down your bill into manageable payments
You can break down your total bill into smaller, manageable amounts by dividing it by the number of weeks, fortnightly, or months you want to spread it over. Our billing cycle is every 3 months, so it helps to set up a payment plan that pays off your current bill before the next one arrives.
Below are some examples showing options that let you choose between more frequent payments or larger monthly amounts, based on what works best for your financial situation.
To adjust these plans on your own calculator, simply change the total amount owed and divide it by your preferred payment frequency to find the amount you’ll need to pay each time.
Example 1: Weekly payment plan
Total amount owed: $300
Payment frequency: Fortnightly
Payment amount: $100
Total weeks to pay off: 6 weeks
Breakdown: You would pay $100 every fortnight, and in 6 weeks, you will have paid off the full amount of $300.
Example 2: Monthly payment plan
Total amount owed: $570
Payment frequency: Monthly
Payment amount: $190
Total months to pay off: 3 months
Breakdown: You would pay $190 each month, and in 3 months, you will have paid off the full amount of $570.
Step 3: Setup a regular payment system that works for you
Once you've broken down your bill into manageable parts, setting up a payment arrangement can help you stay on track. Choose the option that works best for you, and reach out for help if you need it.
Start a payment arrangement
This can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly and aims to have your current bill paid off before your next bill is issued. For residential customers, you can do this in mySAWater. If you can’t access mySAWater, you can use our online form.
Set up a direct debit
Setting up and managing a direct debit is quick and easy through mySAWater. Through mySAWater, you can discover more about how to set up a direct debit - with tips and examples of payment options.
Make small payments online anytime
Regularly making small payments throughout the year can help lower the amount due when your bill arrives, especially during peak periods like summer. By paying smaller amounts between bills, you can better manage your expenses and avoid large, unexpected charges.
Many customers choose to make these payments by setting aside small amounts at the end of each pay cycle or setting up regular payments, such as fortnightly payments via BPay or Direct Debit. This can make it easier to stay on top of your bills and help you budget more effectively.
Getting more support
If you need more help, you can call our Adelaide-based team on 08 7424 1650 (8.30am to 5pm weekdays). We can work with you to develop a payment plan that suits your own personal circumstance and needs.
If you need more financial help, free financial counselling services are available through the National Debt Helpline. You can call them on 1800 007 007 or you can find a counsellor near you using their interactive map.
Financial counsellors offer support without judgment and can help you with budgeting, managing your spending, and finding options to better manage your finances.
