Universal Credit recipients could get cheaper phone and broadband deals – tariffs start from £10 a month
Universal Credit recipients may be able to switch to a social tariff
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People on Universal Credit could be eligible to get discounted broadband and phone packages.
Known as social tariffs, these deals are delivered in the same way as normal packages but cost less.
Some providers call them “essential” or “basic” broadband packages, and people getting Pension Credit and some other benefits could also qualify.
These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Social tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages but at a discounted price
PA
Amid rising living costs, we’ve been encouraging more broadband and mobile companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
A large number of broadband providers now offer discounted social tariff products, with some offering deals from as low as £15 per month. This could represent a saving of more than £180 per year, which is around 50% compared to the average cost of broadband.
Prices currently range from £10 to £23 and if people need to pay set-up costs, then they “should only be small”, according to communications regulator Ofcom.
Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s, which should be fast enough for customers to keep in touch with friends and family, surf the internet- and stream HD films.
If a qualifying person’s provider offers a social tariff, they can switch to it at any time, for free.
It also costs nothing to leave, so those who leave the tariff before the end of their contract will not pay a charge.
With social tariffs, prices won’t go up mid-contract, meaning billpayers won’t pay any more than the amount agreed at the start of the contract.
Broadband social tariff eligibility
If a person or someone in their household claims Universal Credit, they could switch to any of the social tariffs available.
All major providers also allow people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support to switch to a social tariff.
Some providers might also offer social tariffs to people getting additional benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance.
Ofcom explains the person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.
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How to apply for social tariffs
To apply for a social tariff, people first need to check if their current provider offers a social tariff.
Ofcom has published a list of all the tariffs currently available.
For instance, VOXI For Now currently offers a £10 a month social tariff which provides 5G where available in the UK.
EE Basics offers an average speed of up to 25 Mbit/s while Vodafone Fibre 1 Essentials' average speed is 28 Mbit/s. Both cost £12 per month.
Most tariffs can be applied for online, or it’s possible to call the provider and ask to switch.
If the provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, eligible people can switch to one that does.
It may be a current provider lets a person leave their contract without a penalty fee.