By choosing a social tariff, millions of economically vulnerable households can get a better broadband deal. They could also save hundreds of Pounds.

  • Many people don’t know that there are broadband social tariffs, according to data. 
  • This deal gives low-income families access to internet deals  
  • This article reveals the names of the plan providers and the savings that people can make. 










Research has shown that 2/3 of low-income households don’t know about broadband social tariffs.

Social tariffs offer broadband customers means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

According to research by uSwitch, 16 million people may be eligible. However, only 15% of them apply.

This means that 10million households who are economically vulnerable have not yet signed up for the social tariff they may be eligible for. Yet, this could help them save hundreds of dollars per year on broadband bills.

Millions of people are unaware that low income families can access broadband social tariffs

Many people don’t know that families with low incomes can get broadband social tariffs.

The average monthly spend on broadband among those eligible for social tariffs is £34.50, therefore, applying for BT Home Essentials at £15 a month could save eligible customers £19.50 a month, or £234 a year.

uSwitch advises eligible customers, who may be having trouble paying their bills due to inflation, that they look into whether or not broadband social tariffs might suit them.

Ernest Doku from uSwitch is a broadband expert.

“With nearly three quarters of the population having not heard about social tariffs before, it is not surprising that there aren’t many people who take up these services.

BT, Virgin Media and Community Fibre are all helping financially-strapped households by offering social tariffs.

‘If you’re claiming one or more government benefits in your household, you could be entitled to switch to these tariffs, which could reduce your broadband bills by £234 a year on average.

“If you aren’t eligible for a social tariff or it isn’t available in your area, consider what your needs are before you sign up for a contract. Don’t pay too much for the data you don’t use. 

The results of the Uswitch survey were based on 2,000 adult responses in November 2021.

Low income customers could save hundreds of pounds a year by switching to social tariffs

Social tariffs can help customers with low income save hundreds of Pounds per annum

Which tariffs do you have?

Low income people can take advantage of a variety of social tariffs that offer broadband internet access. 

These include BT Home Essentials for just £15 a month and speeds of 36Mbps. It also offers a speedier version of 67Mbps for £20 a month. 

Community Fibre is another available product for £10 a month but will only come with speeds of 10 Mbps. Customers in London are not eligible for this product. 

HyperopticFair Fibre 50 deals offer consumers speeds as high as 50Mbps. 

Customers can upgrade to 150Mbps for £25 a month instead. 

TalkTalkIt is the only provider offering free broadband to customers who are in desperate need. 

There is no cost for Broadband to Jobseekers and consumers who are eligible will be able to receive speeds as high as 40Mbps. You can read about the process here.  

These tariffs are available to customers who wish to sign up. Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the benefits that they receive.  

BROADBAND SOCIAL TARIFFS AVAILABLE 
Produit Cost per month Speed Eligibility
BT Home Essentials £15 Aprox 36 Mbps Universal Credit for all claimants, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allocation (Eligibility Rules Apply), Jobseekers Assistance (Eligibility Rules Apply), Income Support
BT Home Essentials 2 £20 Around 67 Mb/s Universal Credit for all claimants, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allocation (Eligibility Rules Apply), Jobseekers Assistance (Eligibility Rules Apply), Income Support
Community Fibre £10 10 Mbit/s Universal Credit, Housing Benefit. Income Support. Income Support. Income Support. Income-based Jobseekers. Allowance. Income-related Employment and Support. Allowance. ESA. Care leavers. Personal Independence Payment. London-based.
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50 £15 50 Mbit/s Indemnity Support Pension Credit. The Income-related Job Seekers Assistance (JSA) Housing Benefit. Individual Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance and Universal Credit are available. Care leavers support is also offered. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is also available. There are 57 UK cities and towns that offer this service.
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 150 £25 150 Mbit/s Indemnity Support Pension Credit. The Income-related Job Seekers Assistance (JSA) Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit, Personal Independence Payment. There are 57 UK cities and towns that offer this service.
KCOM Full Fibre Flex £19.99 30 Mbps Income Support, Disability Insurance Payment, Employment and Support Allowance (EAS), Universal Credit. Individuals who are on the government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19), Shielded Patient List
Virgin Media Essential Broadband £15 15Mbps Universal Credit
TalkTalk Broadband for Jobseekers All Rights Reserved Maximum 40Mbps DWP identifies eligible customers
Source: Uswitch (prices accurate as of 24 Nov 2021). 

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