What is a social tariff?
A social tariff is a heavily discounted broadband package that providers offer specifically to customers who receive certain means-tested benefits. The packages typically deliver decent speeds at roughly half the standard market price.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility varies slightly between providers but generally includes anyone in a household receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, or Personal Independence Payment. Some providers have broader eligibility so it is worth checking directly.
Which providers offer social tariffs?
BT Home Essentials from around 15-20 pounds per month. Sky Broadband Basics available to Universal Credit recipients. Virgin Media Essential Broadband for qualifying benefits recipients where their network is available. Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Vodafone, and others also offer social tariff or discounted packages depending on your area.
How to apply
Call your current provider or a new provider you want to switch to and ask specifically about social tariffs or benefit-linked broadband packages. Have your benefits documentation ready. Do not wait for them to offer it. You have to ask. If you are already a customer with a qualifying provider, switching to their social tariff does not require a full new sign-up process.
