At a glance
Broadband social tariffs are offered by an increasing number of providers.
There’s often a choice of packages and speeds.
The service is delivered in the same way as standard broadband, and speeds are generally just as good.
Social tariffs aren’t usually on comparison sites – but you can compare cheap broadband deals with us.
Am I eligible for a social tariff broadband?
You or someone in your household are eligible for a social tariff broadband deal if you receive:
Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit
Employment and Support Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support.
But each broadband provider has slightly different criteria for social tariffs, so it’s worth checking to see which ones you’re eligible for.
Some only offer Universal Credit broadband discounts, while others include households on Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and other benefits.
Some providers also extend eligibility to people who receive other benefits, such as Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.
The person receiving the benefit must be the main person on the contract.
Why are so few people claiming cheaper broadband?
According to Ofcom, 532,000 people were using a social tariff for broadband in June 2025.
Despite that, it’s believed 70% of eligible adults hadn’t heard of social tariffs for broadband in October 2025.
And take-up among eligible households was less than 9%.
Social tariffs don’t appear on price comparison websites as the prices aren’t available to everyone. Plus, Ofcom requires providers to promote social tariffs directly rather than through other companies.
Ofcom is continuing to call on providers to do a better job of promoting social tariffs. And the biggest telecoms operators have signed up to a government charter committing to do so.
Did you know?
Social tariffs for mobile phones, landlines and water services are also available.
How could a broadband social tariff help me?
Switching to a social broadband tariff can have several advantages for low-income households:
It’s cheaper than standard broadband, with prices starting from around £12.50 a month.
Some plans cover a range of government benefits, not just Universal Credit.
Most social tariffs offer superfast broadband speeds of over 30Mbps – fast enough to browse online and stream TV.
You can usually switch to a social tariff free of charge and, in most cases, won’t pay set-up fees.
There’s no price rise mid-contract, so you won’t pay more than you agreed at the start of the plan.
You won’t be hit with fees if you want to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.
Is a social tariff as good as a regular broadband deal?
Yes. Switching to a social tariff doesn’t mean switching to a sub-standard service. It’s delivered in exactly the same way as regular broadband, just at a lower price.
Most of the discounted packages currently available offer broadband speeds of over 30Mbps.
That's fast enough to handle a typical household’s internet demands, from shopping online and streaming HD films to applying for jobs and keeping in touch with family and friends.
Larger households who may be working, streaming and gaming all at the same time might be better off with speeds of over 50Mbps, although this is likely to cost you more.
How do I apply for a broadband social tariff?
First, if you already have a broadband provider, check whether they offer a social tariff. You can apply for most tariffs online, or you can phone your provider to ask to switch.
If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Your provider might let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee, but this isn’t a given.
It’s worth noting that social tariffs won’t show up on comparison sites. You can find out more by going to the provider’s dedicated social tariffs webpage.
You’ll need to prove your eligibility based on the provider’s requirements.
How do I get cheaper broadband if I’m not eligible for a social tariff?
If you’re struggling to afford your broadband payments but don’t qualify for a social tariff, you have a few options.
Talk to your provider
Consider switching services
Think about what you actually need
Is there an exit fee to move over to a social tariff?
If you’re moving from an existing contract to a social tariff with the same provider, you’re unlikely to be charged a fee.
However, whether you have to pay an exit fee to swap broadband companies is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Talking to your provider about how this could affect you is a useful way to know if you’re going to face a fee.
You can take the fee into account when deciding whether swapping to a social tariff is worth it.
FAQs
Does a social tariff have a fast broadband connection?
Different social tariffs offer different speeds, usually ranging from 15Mbps to 60Mbps but occasionally even hundreds of Mbps.
If you're not sure how much speed you need to be able to do what you want on the internet, CNET recommends the following:
Browsing the web – 5-10Mbps
Using social media – 10Mbps
Making a video call – 10-20Mbps
HD streaming – 10-20Mbps
Online gaming – 25-35Mbps
4K streaming – 35Mbps.
It’s also important to think about how many people are using the internet. The more users trying to connect at once, the slower the connection will be for everyone.
Can I get free broadband?
Free broadband isn’t generally available in the UK. But jobseekers on Universal Credit who don’t have a broadband connection may be able to get six months’ worth of free fibre broadband from TalkTalk.
The scheme is under a partnership with Jobcentre Plus. Speak to your work coach if you think you might be eligible.
London-based provider Community Fibre also offers 12 months of free broadband to eligible Londoners in selected areas. Again, the scheme is run in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus.
Can pensioners get cheaper broadband?
There are currently no deals for older people specifically. But you might be able to qualify for a social tariff if you receive certain benefits, including Pension Credit. Otherwise, you can shop around for a standard broadband package that best fits your needs.
How long do broadband social tariffs last?
It varies. Some providers offer a rolling 30-day contract, while others sign you up for a year or more at a fixed price.
Don’t worry too much about being locked into a deal because most providers will let you leave early without having to pay a penalty.
Just make sure you’re clear on what your options are once the contract ends, as you might be automatically rolled onto a much more expensive plan unless you take action.
Looking for something else?
Over the past decade, Kate has worked in various industries, including company secretarial, small business support and property investing.
Her move to financial services in 2022 not only helped her find her niche in personal finance writing, but also just how alienating finance can be. She’s now motivated by making everyday money a piece of cake for everyone, helping her readers feel informed and in control.
Kate now specialises in savings and current accounts as well as broadband, mobile and energy products.
Ele Clark is an award-winning editor who has held leadership roles at Which? and news-stand publications in London and Dubai. She’s appeared across the press and media, including BBC’s Panorama. With almost 20 years’ experience in personal finance, insurance and consumer journalism, she leads a talented team at Compare the Market, creating insightful, accessible content to help people make informed financial decisions.
With the UK racing towards gigabit speeds and our phones more integral to our lives, Matt wants to make sure you have great packages that can keep up. And with more than 10 years' experience working with digital brands, he’s shaping our broadband, TV and phone comparison journeys.
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