With the cost of living rising significantly for us all, many of us need to look at as many ways as possible to cut back and save money. Broadband and phone packages are often considered a necessity, allowing us to keep connected for work, caring, socialising, education, access to support, shopping, etc and it can be a significant cost to our monthly outgoings. Social tariffs are designed to provide the same quality of service enabling people on the lowest income to keep connected in an affordable way.
Ofcom has reported that 4.2 million homes are eligible for social tariffs and fewer than 150,000 homes are utilising them. This is a huge disparity and they suggest that this is because the majority of those eligible are unaware of social tariffs through a lack of promotion and information sharing from providers.
Essentially a social tariff could save an eligible customer £144 per year so it is worth checking if you are eligible and making the switch today.
What are social tariffs?
- Social tariffs are broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit as well as some other benefits. The person receiving the benefit will need to be the main person on the contract.
- Social tariffs are cheaper than regular price packages; prices are currently raging from £10- £20 per month.
- The way in which these packages are delivered is no different, most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.
- You'll pay next to nothing to get set up. If you have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
- It could cost nothing to switch. If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.
- The price won't go up mid-contract. You won't pay any more than what you agreed at the start of the contract.
- It costs nothing to leave. You won't pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.
How can I apply for a social tariff?
First, check with your provider to see if they offer social tariffs, if they do switching should be fairly straightforward- give your provider a call or switch online. The contact details will be on your bill or correspondence from them or you can search for them online.
If your provider does not currently offer social tariffs you can look at the list below of alternative providers that do which you can switch to. Please be aware your current provider may charge you for switching so it is worth having a conversation with them before you make the switch.
Which companies offer social tariffs?
The following information is provided by OFCOM:
| Package | Price | Average speed | You could qualify if you receive... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Broadband Air Support | £20 a month | 100 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| BT Home Essentials | £15 a month | Around 36 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| BT Home Essentials 2 | £20 a month | Around 67 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| Country Connect Social Tariff | £15 a month | 50 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| G.Network Essential Fibre Broadband | £15 a month | 50 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50 | £15 a month | 50 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 150 | £25 a month | 150 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| KCOM Full Fibre Flex | £14.99 a month | 30 Mbit/s | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
| NOW Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbit/s | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Sky Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbit/s | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband | £12.50 a month | 15 Mbit/s | Universal Credit |
| VOXI For Now | £10 a month | 5G where available | Various benefits (in and out of work)* |
* Each company has its own list of eligible benefits, but all include Universal Credit. Other benefits may include Pension Credit, Job Seekers’ Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and Care Leavers’ Support.
If you’re struggling to pay your mobile phone or broadband bill, speak to your provider as soon as possible to see how they can help.
Local support.
You can access advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you have queries:
Middlesbrough Citizens Advice Bureau
Tel: 01642 802282 Adviceline: 0344 499 4110 Email: advice@mcab.org.uk Address: Middlesbrough CAB, 9 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1TH (Wed & Fri: 10am - 1pm). Website contact form: www.mcab.org.uk/contact#contact-form-section
Redcar & Cleveland Citizens Advice Bureau
Adviceline: 03444111444 Office Tel: 01642 030000 Email: enquiries@rccitizensasvice.co.uk Address: Redcar CAB, 17 Queen Street, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1AB.
