Broadband is one of life’s essentials – but as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, thousands face being left without internet at home. Social tariffs can be a useful solution for those on Universal Credit or some other benefits.
Research by telecoms regulator Ofcom shows that an estimated 4.3 million households in the UK could save around £200 a year by moving to a social tariff. Despite that, it’s believed only 220,000 of those homes currently use social tariffs to save money on their bills. That’s just 5.11% of those who could.
Why are so few people claiming cheaper broadband?
Research by Ofcom found that 69% of UK adults with a fixed broadband service who are eligible for a social tariff had not heard of cheaper social tariffs – it has called on providers to do a better job of promoting these
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.
Am I eligible for 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
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 non-means-tested benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.
The person receiving the benefit must be the main person on the contract.
How could a broadband social tariff help me?
Switching to a social broadband tariff can have several advantages for low-income families:
It’s cheaper than standard broadband, with prices starting from around £12 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.
Other providers that offer social tariffs include KCOM and Air Broadband, although these are only available in certain parts of the country.
The full list of broadband social tariffs can be found on Ofcom’s website.
Is a social tariff as good as a regular broadband deal?
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 – 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?
Firstly, 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.
Most broadband providers will now do an instant eligibility check when you apply, which means you no longer have to provide evidence of your benefits statement. You will, though, need to supply your National Insurance number, and the provider may carry out a credit check.
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
1. Talk to your provider
Ofcom has taken a firm stance when it comes to ensuring broadband providers continue to support their customers. As such, most companies are willing to work with you to make it easy to afford your bills. That could mean:
Giving you more time to pay
Agreeing on a payment plan
Switching you to a better deal
Reducing your costs outright
The more information a customer provides, the easier it is for an internet company to understand what could be done to make their situation a little easier.
2. Consider switching services
If you feel like you could get better value elsewhere, think about comparing broadband to see if you can find a better deal elsewhere.
While you may have to wait for your current contract to end, letting your existing provider know your intentions could help you save as the provider will have an incentive to offer you a better deal.
If you do want to switch away, check whether you’ll need to pay an exit fee to your current provider as this could affect whether it’s worth it or not.
3. Think about what you actually need
If you signed up for an expensive plan with a lot of bandwidth which you’re not actually using, you could ask to swap your package for a cheaper one. Looking at your monthly usage rates should show you if jumping down a bracket will work.
Remember, everyone’s individual circumstances are different. These options may not necessarily be best for you. Think about which, if any, you could pursue in order to better manage your internet bills.
Does a social tariff have a fast broadband connection?
Different social tariff offers different speeds, usually ranging from 15Mbps to 60Mbps but occasionally even hundreds of Mbps. That means those wanting to choose between them can make a well-rounded decision about which provides the best value for money. 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.
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 are very unlikely to be charged a fee. However, whether you have to pay an exit fee if you want to swap broadband companies is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Speaking to your provider about how this could affect you is a useful way to know if you’re going to face a fee. If you are, this could be taken into account when deciding whether or not swapping to a social tariff is worth it.
FAQs
Can I get free broadband?
Free broadband isn’t generally available in the UK. But jobseekers on Universal Credit who don’t already have a broadband connection may be able to get six months’ worth of free fibre broadband from TalkTalk, under a partnership with Jobcentre Plus. Speak to your work coach if you think you might be eligible for this scheme.
London-based provider Community Fibre also offers free broadband to eligible Londoners in the following areas: Barnsbury, Finsbury Park, Harlesden, Hoxton, Peckham, Streatham, Tower Hamlets, Woolwich. Again, you can apply for this via your Jobcentre Plus agent. After 12 months, you can either continue with a paid contract or return the router (or pay £160 if you don’t return it).
Can I get free broadband installation?
Broadband network Openreach will install broadband in households on Universal Credit with no other income for free. Many major broadband providers run on Openreach, including BT, Sky and TalkTalk, so by waiving connection fees it’s hoped that thousands more people can get online.
Can pensioners get cheaper broadband?
While there are currently no deals for older people specifically, 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 among providers. Some 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.
With more than 10 years’ experience working with a wide range of digital brands, Matthew knows how to deliver great outcomes for customers. With the UK racing towards gigabit broadband speeds and our phones more powerful and integral to our modern lives, Matthew wants to make sure you have a great package that can keep up.
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