Broadband social tariffs provide the cheapest UK broadband prices

Broadband is considered an essential home service and broadband providers have been encouraged to offer no-frills, ‘social broadband tariffs’ to provide affordable broadband for financially vulnerable households. Social tariffs offer discounted broadband for low income households where bill payers are on universal credit or another eligible state benefit.

Ofcom estimates 4.2 million households in the UK could save around £144 a year. Yet less than 1.5% of eligible households have registered for a broadband social tariff.

You can apply for a social tariff with participating broadband providers if you receive one or more of the following: 

Jobseeker’s allowance, universal credit, employment and support allowance, disability allowance, pension credits or personal independence payment. 

Individual broadband providers have different criteria for their social tariffs. Check to see which broadband social tariffs you’re eligible for, before you sign up. 

If you qualify for a social tariff you will need to apply directly with your preferred broadband service. Most broadband providers require some proof of eligibility for discounted social tariffs before applications are accepted. 

Once your application has been accepted your switch (if you are changing to a new provider), should take a couple of weeks maximum. If you are switching to a social tariff with your existing broadband provider, service changes will be much quicker.