A whole slew of broadband and phone providers put up their prices at the beginning of April as part of the big annual fee adjustment.
While it used to be the case that you could leave the contract early when they did this, many providers now stipulate that there will be a mid-contract rate increase linked to inflation – essentially when you signed up for the contract, you signed up for the rate increase too.
There is, however, one category of tariffs that remains affordable: social tariffs.
These were launched by the government at the end of 2022, and were specifically designed for those on certain types of benefits.
The rates are among the most affordable around and they don’t go up with inflation.
Here’s how it works.
What is a social tariff?
A social tariff is basically a special rate created by broadband and mobile phone providers for those on low incomes.
Anyone on Universal Credit will be able to apply for one, and some people on other types of benefits (such as Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support) may also be eligible.
In terms of the types of products, there’s not a whole lot of difference compared to commercially available packages.
So you’re still getting similar internet speeds and/or other services but at a vastly reduced rate.
Some plans start from just £10 a month, for example, so you can save a lot.
How does social tariffs work?
Every provider that offers a social tariff will have a dedicated page (see below) where you can apply.
The person named on the contract must be the one receiving the benefit though.
Then it’s just a case of filling out all the usual forms – you’ll need your National Insurance number so your benefit status can be verified with the Department of Work and Pensions.
There may also be some set up costs involved depending on the provider, but these should be relatively small.
And if you’re leaving your current contract early, you may have to pay a fee – but if you’re switching to a social tariff, even if it’s with another provider, this might be waived so do make sure you ask.
The great thing about social tariffs is that the price is kept constant – they won’t go up mid-contract and it won’t cost you anything to leave.
However, the contracts are generally limited to six or 12 months, after which you may have to renew or reapply. If you don’t, you may be automatically moved to another contract, which could cost more.
Broadband providers that offer a social tariff
New providers are signing up to offer social tariffs all the time, and Ofcom has a full list of these.
The following is a list of the major broadband providers and what they offer.
BT Home Essentials*
Price: £15 a month for 36 mbps fibre broadband plus 700 inclusive anytime minutes; £20 a month for 67 mbps fibre broadband plus unlimited anytime minutes
Contract length: 12 months
Additional fees: £9.99 postage and packaging
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
Community Fibre*
Price: £12.50 a month for 20 mbps fibre broadband
Contract length: 12 months
Additional fees: £9.95 set up
Eligibility: Available to everyone, including those not on benefits
Now Broadband Basics
Price: £20 a month for 36 mbps fibre broadband (Now Fab Fibre)
Contract length: Monthly rolling contract
Additional fees: None
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
Sky Social Tariffs*
Price: £20 a month for 36 mbps fibre broadband plus option to add a free 12-month Sky Mobile plan with 3GB data and unlimited calls and texts
Contract length: 18 months
Additional fees: None
Eligibility: Only if already a Sky Broadband customer and on either Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
Virgin Media Essential
Price: £12.50 a month for 15 mbps fibre broadband; £20 a month for 54 mbps fibre broadband with option to set up Virgin Media Stream
Contract length: Monthly rolling contract, eligibility checked every 12 months
Additional fees: None, but £20 one-off fee if you add Virgin Media Stream
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
Vodafone Essentials Broadband*
Price: £12 a month for 38 mbps fibre broadband
Contract length: 12 months
Additional fees: None
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Reduced Earnings Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, or Disability Allowance
Mobile network providers that offer social tariffs
The following mobile network providers offer social tariffs.
However, it’s worth noting that they may not necessarily be the cheapest option – there are travel-friendly sims that are much cheaper – so do shop around.
EE Basics*
Price: £12 a month for 5GB data, unlimited calls and texts
Contract length: 12 months
Additional fees: None
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
Smarty Social Tariff*
Price: £12 a month for unlimited data, calls and texts
Contract length: Monthly rolling contract, eligibility checked every 12 months
Additional fees: None
Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Income Support
VOXI For Now*
Price: £10 a month for unlimited data, calls and texts
Contract length: Six months
Additional fees: NoneEligibility: Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Personal Independence Payments, or Disability Allowance
