Staying connected is essential for job searching, learning, and daily life. If you’re on a low income or certain benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs—special discounted broadband and phone packages designed to help you save money and avoid digital exclusion.
What Are Social Tariffs?
Social tariffs are reduced-price broadband and phone deals for people claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These packages offer the same speeds and reliability as standard deals, but at a much lower cost—often between £12 and £23 per month for broadband, and from £10 per month for mobile plans.
BT Home Essentials
A leading example is BT Home Essentials, which provides affordable broadband and phone services for eligible customers:
- From £15 per month for fibre broadband (36 Mbps) and unlimited UK calls
- No setup fees or early exit charges for those who qualify
- Available to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, or ESA
- Annual eligibility checks apply
- Upgraded options available for faster speeds at slightly higher prices
Other Social Tariff Providers
Many major UK broadband providers now offer social tariffs, including:
- Virgin Media Essential Broadband: from £12.50/month (15 Mbps)
- EE Basics: £12/month (up to 25 Mbps)
- Sky Broadband Basics: £20/month (36 Mbps)
- Hyperoptic Fair Fibre: from £15/month (50 Mbps)
- Community Fibre Essential: £12.50/month (35 Mbps, London only)
- NOW Broadband Basics: £20/month (36 Mbps)
- Vodafone Fibre 2 Essentials: £20/month (73 Mbps)
- O2 Essential Plan: £10/month (5G mobile, where available)
- VOXI For Now: £10/month (5G mobile, where available)
Full details and a regularly updated list of all available social tariffs can be found on the Ofcom Social Tariffs page.
Eligibility and prices vary by provider and region. Check with your current provider or use comparison tools to find the best option for your area.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you or someone in your household receives:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Some providers also accept Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance.
The person receiving the benefit must be the main account holder.
How to Apply
- Check if your current provider offers a social tariff—you may be able to switch without penalty.
- Apply online or call your provider to request the social tariff.
- If your provider doesn’t offer one, you can switch to a provider that does, usually without early exit fees.
Why Consider a Social Tariff?
- Save up to £200 a year compared to standard broadband prices.
- Avoid early termination charges when switching to a social tariff.
- Get the same quality of service as standard customers.
Find Out More
- Ofcom’s official social tariffs page — full, up-to-date list of available deals and eligibility details.
- GOV.UK: Low cost broadband and mobile phone tariffs.
- Speak to your broadband provider or visit their website for more information about how to apply.
Don’t miss out—thousands of eligible households are still unaware of these savings. If you’re struggling with bills or worried about costs, check if you qualify for a social tariff today.