Broadband social tariffs: cheaper broadband if you get benefits
If you get Universal Credit or certain other benefits, you can get broadband for about £10 to £24 a month with no exit fees. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.
A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or phone package for people on certain benefits. Most big UK providers offer one, but relatively few eligible people use them. Ofcom counted about 532,000 households on social tariffs in its latest figures, far fewer than the number who qualify.
If you qualify, this is very likely the cheapest way to get decent broadband.
Who qualifies?
If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you can apply for any of the social tariffs on offer.
Many providers also accept:
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
The exact list varies by provider. The person getting the benefit usually needs to be the account holder.
What do you get?
According to Ofcom, social tariffs currently cost between about £10 and £24 a month. Most offer superfast speeds of 30Mb or more, and some go up to full fibre gigabit speeds.
The biggest advantage: there is no fee to leave. If your circumstances change, you can cancel without paying exit fees.
How to apply
- Start with your current provider. Ask if they have a social tariff and whether you can move to it. Ofcom’s page lists which providers offer one.
- Have proof of benefits ready. Providers usually check eligibility with the Department for Work and Pensions, with your permission.
- If your provider does not offer one, look at the providers that do. Some will let you switch without fees from your current contract, but check first.
Is there a catch?
Not really. Speeds on some social tariffs are lower than on the provider’s top packages, and a few are mobile or 5G-based rather than a fixed line. Check the speed is enough for your home, but for most households browsing, streaming and video calling, it will be.
We do not earn anything from this guide. Social tariffs are arranged directly with providers. If you qualify, it is almost always better value than any deal we could link to.