Social tariff broadband

How to get broadband for people on benefits

If you're on certain benefits (like Universal Credit or Pension Credit) or meet other criteria, you may be eligible for a discounted broadband deal known as a ‘social tariff’.

Regulator Ofcom estimates that around 1.9 households in the UK are having difficulty affording their broadband service.^[2] Many everyday tasks are a lot harder without an internet connection, from checking your bank account to helping the kids with their homework.

So, Ofcom encourages providers to help by offering cheaper tariffs. It's an increasingly common problem, yet most people who qualify for lower rates haven't even heard of social tariff broadband. Could you be eligible? Read on to find out.

What is social tariff broadband?

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband deals offered to people on government benefits. These discounted rates are offered by broadband providers, not the government, but the providers use your eligibility for benefits as a way of deciding if you need the extra help.

They're usually available to people on Universal Credit and Pension Credit, plus sometimes other means-tested benefits too. To get a discounted tariff you'll have to prove that you're getting one of the benefits on your provider's list.

Social tariff broadband tends to be:

Affordably priced

Designed for people on specific means-tested government benefits

Offered at just a few speeds (or just one speed), usually not the provider's fastest

Free of extra costs that would be a problem on a budget (like set-up fees or early cancellation charges)

Available on contracts for 12 months or less, although there are some exceptions - You'll also usually have to apply and prove eligibility again once the initial period is up

Who is eligible for social tariff broadband?

Social tariff broadband is typically available to customers on any of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support

Some providers include additional benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance, as part of their social tariffs.

For any social tariff, if you're the customer receiving benefit payments, you'll also need to be the main person on the broadband contract.

Expect broadband providers to perform an eligibility check, which will confirm whether or not you’re suitable for a social tariff.

Social tariff broadband and poor credit history

Most broadband providers carry out a credit check when you apply for any deal. This is so they can make sure you'll be able to afford the payments for your broadband service.

If you have a poor credit history, don't let this put you off applying for a social tariff. Some providers will run the same kind of credit check they do with any other tariff. Others might simply check that you're eligible for the relevant benefits.

There may also be the option to pay a security deposit rather than passing a credit check. You don't know until you try!

It is possible to get regular broadband without a credit check, but your options are much more limited.

Can pensioners get social tariff broadband?

Yes, although it’s usually only if you receive Pension Credit. Social tariffs are for when you're on a low income, and the test of that is usually whether or not you're on a means-tested benefit.

If you're not getting any benefits except your State Pension and you're having trouble paying the bills, it's worth double-checking if you could get Pension Credit.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions suggest that there are hundreds of thousands of households where someone qualifies for Pension Credit but aren't receiving it. Take a few minutes to try the government's Pension Credit calculator.

Broadband for pensioners

Who offers social tariff broadband?

Many different broadband providers now offer some form of social tariff, including:

BT Social Tariff

BT's social tariff is called Home Essentials. You can get it if you're receiving any of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• The Guarantee Credit component of Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support

It's a 12-month contract that you can cancel at any time without paying any exit fees.

There are five different BT Home Essentials plans:

• Two landline and phone plans
• Two broadband-only plans
• One plan that just gives you a landline service but no internet

The two broadband-only plans both have the option to get a home phone service add-on that's cheaper than most BT landline plans.

You'll notice that the Home Essential No Income plan is the cheapest fibre plan, even though it includes a landline when more expensive plans don't. This is because you can only get the No Income plan if your only income comes from benefits.

If you have an income apart from benefits and you want exactly the same services as someone on Home Essentials No Income, it will cost £21 for the broadband and a further £10 for unlimited landline minutes, totalling £31 per month.

If you're already a BT broadband customer, you can switch to Home Essentials with no charge. Start by ringing 0800 800 150. The automated phone line will ask you to 'enter the number you're calling about'. If you don't have a landline number, just wait and the recorded message will offer other options.

You can also access Home Essentials without already being a BT customer, provided that you're receiving one of the benefits on the list.

EE Social Tariff

EE is now owned by the BT Group, so EE customers can also access Home Essentials if they meet the requirements. You have to be receiving one of the benefits on the list above. The terms of your contract are exactly the same as for BT customers.

If you're already with EE broadband, the number to ring is 0800 079 5122.

Virgin Media Social Tariff

Virgin Media offers social tariff deals to people on the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-based Employment Support Allowance

If you're on a combination of income-based and contributory JSA or ESA, the income-based portion must be higher.

If you qualify, you can choose from three different social tariff packages:

All the Virgin social tariff deals are on a rolling 30-day contract, so you can leave at any time with no exit fees. There's no set-up cost.

Hyperoptic Social Tariff

Hyperoptic's version of a broadband social tariff is called the Fair Fibre Plan. If you're receiving one of the following benefits, you can start your application using their online eligibility checker:

• Income-based ESA
• Income-based JSA
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

If you're receiving one of the following benefits, you can still apply but you'll need to start your application by ringing them on 0333 332 1138.

• Attendance Allowance
• Care Leavers’ Support
• Housing Benefit
• PIP

Sky Social Tariff

Sky's social tariff is called Sky Broadband Basics. To get it, you have to be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income-based Employment Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support

It costs £20 a month for 24 months. If you need to leave before that, there won't be any exit fees. The broadband speed you'll get through Sky's social tariff depends on what internet connection your home has.

If you're on Sky Broadband Basics you're also eligible for a free mobile phone plan. This SIM-only deal comes with:

• 3GB data
• Rolling over unused data so you can use it whenever you like
• Unlimited calls and texts to the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

The contract for the phone plan is 12 months but you can end it early with no exit fees.

Other providers of social tariff broadband

TalkTalk is the only provider out of the 'Big Four' that doesn't offer a social tariff. Most big providers and almost all altnets offer some kind of discounted rate for people on benefits.

What social tariffs for broadband are there?

We've pulled together a list of the social tariffs offered by the trusted providers on our panel who offer broadband throughout the UK. We've also made a separate list of altnets, who tend to be in a more limited geographical area.

Broadband providers offering social tariffs

Altnets offering social tariffs

Most altnets have a commitment to making broadband accessible, so they usually offer social tariffs. To access broadband from an altnet you'll need to live in one of the areas it covers.

Which is the best social tariff broadband?

A quick look at our lists suggests that you'll only get speeds of 100Mbps or more from social tariff broadband if you're with an altnet. As of May 2025, Hyperoptic's 150Mbps leads the pack, with Quickline and WightFibre both offering 100Mbps.

If you're not in the right area for any of these, you can still get good speeds from the big national providers. If your home has a full fibre connection, BT offers up to 67Mbps and Vodafone has up to 73Mbps.

Most of the big providers limit their social tariffs to people on means-tested benefits. This means you don't qualify if you're only getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP). As of May 2025, the only big national provider to offer social tariffs if you're on PIP is Vodafone. Three altnets also offer social tariffs for customers on PIP: Hyperoptic, KCOM and Quickline.

Cheapest social tariffs

The very cheapest social tariff broadband is Virgin Media's Essential package at £12.50. If you're in London, you can get the same price with Community Fibre Essential, which is also the only one with no eligibility checks.

Can you get social tariff broadband where you live?

Almost all broadband providers with national coverage offer some kind of social tariff (except TalkTalk). So your existing provider probably has a social tariff you can move to. If you don't want to do that, you'll have a choice of other providers to switch to.

Should I get a social tariff for broadband?

If you qualify, the main reason to go for a social tariff is the lower cost. You'll probably be on a lower speed than with a more expensive deal, but it's usually enough to do the basics like checking email and web browsing.

Moving to a social tariff while you're on benefits can take the pressure off your budget while still giving you enough bandwidth to apply for jobs, manage online banking or help the kids with their homework.

Advantages of social tariffs for broadband

The big one: lower cost

No mid-contract price rises

Social tariffs for broadband usually have free set-up and no early exit or cancellation charges

Disadvantages of social tariffs for broadband

Social tariff broadband is usually quite slow - there are much faster deals out there if you can afford full price

When you apply for a social tariff you'll need to wait for the provider to confirm with the DWP that you really are getting the benefits you say you are

Many packages don’t include phone service, so you’ll have to sort that out separately at an additional cost

How do I apply for a social tariff?

You first need to check if your current broadband provider offers any social tariffs (see our tables above). If your broadband provider doesn’t offer you any social tariffs, you can switch to one that does. Read our guide to learn how to switch your broadband provider without paying a penalty fee.

Social tariffs are only for people who really need them, so broadband providers don't shout about them like they do about their more commercial offerings. So you won't come across them if you're doing a regular search for broadband deals.

This guide includes some helpful links to the social tariff pages of all the providers on our panel.

The application process varies, but to apply for a social tariff with your existing provider the usual first step is to log into your customer account and start a web chat. If you want to switch to a new provider, first check that they offer social tariffs to new customers.

As a minimum, the provider will need your:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number

They might also ask for further proof, such as letters from the DWP confirming your benefits.

The broadband account will need to be in the name of the person receiving the benefits and it's that person who needs to do the application.

Will I need to pay an exit fee to move over to a social tariff?

The best way of avoiding exit fees when you move to a social tariff is to apply for one with your existing provider.

The point of offering the discounted rate in the first place is to help people who are struggling to afford their broadband bills.

When you apply, the provider will carry out checks to prove that you're really receiving the benefits on their list: for example, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit. This means they have proof that you need the extra help and it makes no sense for them to hit you with exit fees relating to your old contract.

DWP benefit claimants who are eligible for cheaper broadband and phone packages may need to pay an exit fee to move over to a social tariff if they're switching providers. After all, if you're still in contract with them they have the right to charge the usual penalties for breaking that contract.

It's worth asking to be let off the fee on the grounds that you're having money problems. Be polite and supply all the proof they ask for. However, it's a lot easier just to apply for your existing provider's social tariff.

Can I get a free broadband installation?

If you qualify for a social tariff, you probably won't pay anything for installation or activating your service.

Many regular broadband contracts also come with free installation as standard, especially if you're switching from one fibre network to another.

What happens if I stop receiving benefits?

Regular checks will be carried out by broadband providers (typically at the end of each contract term) to see if you still qualify for social tariffs.

If you are no longer eligible, the broadband provider will move you to one of their standard services. This is the easiest option as it is hassle-free and won’t stop your broadband service. However, keep in mind that this may not be the cheapest option.

If you’re unable to afford the broadband service you have been put on, make sure to contact your broadband provider as soon as possible.

What are the alternatives to social tariff broadband?

Maybe you can't get a social tariff but you're worried you won't be able to afford a regular contract for your home broadband? If so, there are some other options to try.

1. Use your mobile

If you already have a smartphone contract with an unlimited or large data allowance, you could always use your mobile to access the internet instead of signing up for fixed broadband.

With enough signal, you could use your mobile internet for everything. Simply turn the handset into a portable hotspot, then tether any devices to it.

Just be careful not to go over your mobile data limit, as the data you use while tethering is deducted from your monthly allowance. Also, not all mobile phone contracts allow tethering.

2. Go for a short contract

Some broadband contracts only ask for one month's notice. Short-term and no-contract broadband means you don't have to commit to ongoing payments or worry about exit fees. So it could take the financial pressure off even if it's more expensive per month than a longer deal.

3. Visit your local library

Libraries usually offer free Wi-Fi and the use of their computers if you don't have your own device. Some libraries also offer debt advice and help accessing services.

4. Access free public Wi-Fi hotspots

Many public places like cafes and shopping centres now offer free Wi-Fi.

If you need the internet for job applications, see if your local Jobcentre has free Wi-Fi that you can use.

Can I get free broadband?

The only free broadband scheme we know of is limited to people using the services at 10 specific Jobcentres in London.

The altnet Community Fibre is running the scheme in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. To get the free broadband, you have to be either disabled, a carer or receiving benefits for more than three months.

You also need to be using one of the following Jobcentres:

• Barnsbury
• Croydon
• Finsbury Park
• Harlesden
• Hoxton
• Peckham
• Streatham
• Tower Hamlets
• Woolwich
• Westminster

In May 2025 Community Fibre told us that two more Jobcentres in London are set to join the scheme soon.

What other benefits are on offer for social tariff customers?

There is help available for other services as well as broadband:

• Water
• Gas and electricity
• Mobile phone use
• Landlines

What you can get depends on your circumstances and where you live.

Some telecom providers offer a discounted rate on their mobile or landline services that you can only access if you're already on their social tariff for broadband.

Who is eligible for social tariff energy?

Energy providers don't offer social tariffs, but there are other ways to cut your gas and electricity bills. The government offers various schemes such as:

• Cold Weather Payments
• The Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Heating cost help from the Scottish government

It's also worth contacting your local council to see what help they can offer.

If you're not eligible for any government or council help with your fuel bills, try comparing gas and electricity deals to see if you can save by switching to a cheaper deal.

You can start the process with us by sharing a few key details (like your address and current provider) and we'll give you some relevant quotes.

FAQs

What if I can't get a social tariff?

If you don't qualify for a social tariff but still find your broadband bills too high, check to see if you're out of contract. Most providers will move you to a rolling deal after your initial contract ends, and this almost always comes with a hike in monthly payments. At this point it's time to look for a new deal.

An easy first step to find cheaper broadband is to put your postcode into our address checker and sort the results by price.

What to do if you're struggling to pay your broadband bill

Always get in touch with your broadband provider, even if you're panicking or embarrassed about not being able to pay. Many of them have schemes to support customers who are having trouble paying. This might mean moving you to a different tariff or setting up a new payment plan.

The regulator Ofcom is on your side. They understand that anyone can face difficult circumstances and they have put guidelines in place for providers to treat you fairly.

Will a social tariff have a fast enough broadband connection?

Broadband providers that offer social tariffs tend to allocate their lower speed categories for this. The actual speed you'll get depends on the exact tariff and also on what kind of home connection you have.

Our table above lets you compare the different speeds from national providers. The one with the highest maximum speed is Vodafone's at up to 73Mbps. Next fastest is BT Home Essentials with up to 67Mbps.

These speeds will let you make video calls and stream online telly as well as browsing the web and checking email. (Check out our guide to what broadband speed you need for more info.)

If your home is one of the small number that still has an ADSL connection and can't get fibre, your social tariff speeds will be between 11Mbps and about 30Mbps

Can I get 6 months free internet with universal credit?

Not at the moment. TalkTalk used to run a scheme in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions that offered six months' free broadband for jobseekers. This ended in March 2025.

Some websites are still mentioning this scheme as if it's still open to new applications, but it's definitely closed - we checked.^[3] If you were already getting free broadband through this scheme, you'll get your full six months starting from the date you joined.

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[2] Number based on Ofcom fieldwork carried out in October 2024, referenced in an Ofcom press release about falling prices for broadband and landline bundles.

[3] Source: TalkTalk's press office confirmed this directly in response to our query, 6 May 2025