With the rising cost of living, access to affordable broadband has become a necessity rather than a luxury, ensuring that households can stay connected for work, education, and essential services.
Many low-income families in the UK, particularly those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other government benefits, may qualify for discounted broadband through social tariffs.
However, as reported by Manchester Evening News, awareness of these reduced-price plans remains low. As a result, millions of eligible households may be overpaying for their internet access, missing out on potential savings that could ease financial strain.
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs are discounted broadband packages offered by various UK providers to support households facing financial hardship. Unlike standard broadband deals, these tariffs are designed to provide a more affordable connection without mid-contract price increases.
Monthly costs for these tariffs can start as low as £12.50, offering significant savings compared to standard broadband rates.
Despite their availability, social tariffs remain underutilised. Recent research from Independent Age found that only 5.1% of eligible households take advantage of these offers, meaning around 4 million people could be missing out on substantial savings.
The charity has warned that this lack of awareness exacerbates the digital divide, particularly among elderly individuals who may struggle with financial hardship and social isolation.
A lack of online access could prevent seniors on a tight budget from obtaining information about financial benefits, missing potential savings opportunities, and losing essential social connections, – said Independent Age.
Who Qualifies for Discounted Broadband?
Eligibility for social tariffs generally depends on whether a household receives specific government benefits. These include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, and Care Leaver’s Support.
A new verification system, introduced in 2022, allows broadband providers to check eligibility directly through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), making the process quicker and more efficient for applicants.
Broadband Providers Offering Social Tariffs
A number of UK broadband providers offer social tariffs to help low-income households stay connected. Here are some of the most notable options:
BT Home Essentials
- Speed: 36 Mbps or 67 Mbps
- Price: £15 – £23 per month
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support
- Extras: Includes unlimited UK landline and mobile calls
Virgin Media Essential
- Speed: 15 Mbps or 54 Mbps
- Price: £12.50 – £20 per month
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Pension Credit, Income Support
- Extras: 30-day rolling contract, no mid-contract price rises
Sky and NOW Broadband Basics
- Speed: 36 Mbps
- Price: £20 per month
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support
- Extras: Pay-as-you-go landline calls
Vodafone Essentials
- Speed: 73 Mbps
- Price: £20 per month
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, JSA, DLA, Income Support, Reduced Earnings Allowance
- Extras: 12-month contract, no mid-contract price rises
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre
- Speed: 50 Mbps or 150 Mbps
- Price: £15 – £20 per month
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, ESA, JSA, PIP, Care Leaver’s Support
- Extras: Free installation, rolling monthly contract
Community Fibre Essential
- Speed: 35 Mbps
- Price: £12.50 per month
- Eligibility: No eligibility requirements, open to all customers
- Extras: Full fibre broadband, primarily available in London
Why awareness matters
Despite these affordable broadband options, many low-income households remain unaware of their eligibility. Independent Age has highlighted the issue, warning that a lack of internet access could lead to social isolation for older individuals and prevent them from accessing crucial financial support and services.
A recent study found that 48% of state pensioners on low incomes have struggled to pay their broadband bills in the last six months. The lack of awareness surrounding social tariffs means that many of these individuals continue to pay higher rates when cheaper options exist.
“Social tariffs can be a lifeline to help older people who are struggling financially stay connected.
The internet can help people in later life stay in touch with friends and family and to access information on financial entitlements, deals and services but it has to be affordable,” said Fran McSweeney, Head of National Services at Independent Age.
For those who are sacrificing basic necessities to afford broadband, Independent Age encourages checking for unclaimed benefits that could increase their income. The charity offers a free and confidential welfare benefits check via their helpline at 0800 319 6789 or online at independentage.org.
How to Apply for a Social Tariff
For those interested in switching to a social tariff, the process is relatively straightforward. The first step is to check eligibility by reviewing the list of qualifying benefits and determining whether you meet the requirements.
If you already have broadband, the next step is to contact your provider to ask about available social tariffs. If your current provider does not offer one, it may be worth comparing options and considering a switch to a provider that does.
Once you have identified a suitable plan, you can apply online or by phone, as many providers allow eligible customers to sign up directly through their website or by calling customer service.
Additionally, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, maintains an updated list of available social tariffs on its website, providing direct links to providers offering these deals.
