Broadband Social Tariffs: The Broadband Discount Thousands Of Eligible Households Still Aren’t Claiming New

Broadband social tariffs could cut your monthly internet or phone bill if you receive certain benefits, but many eligible households still do not know these cheaper packages exist.

Ofcom has updated its guidance on social tariffs for broadband and phone customers. These are lower-cost packages aimed at people who may be struggling to afford essential communications services. They are available from a range of providers, although the exact price, speed and eligibility rules vary.

The big household point is simple: if your home relies on broadband for work, school, banking, benefits, healthcare appointments, family contact or entertainment, you should not have to pay more than necessary for a basic connection. A social tariff may help keep your home connected without leaving another bill quietly draining the monthly budget.

Broadband Social Tariffs: What has changed

Ofcom’s updated guidance confirms that social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them “essential” or “basic” broadband, but the idea is the same: a lower monthly price for eligible households.

Ofcom says current prices range from £10 to £24, and most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s. That is usually enough for everyday household use such as browsing, video calls, online banking, streaming, homework and staying in touch with family.

Ofcom also continues to highlight the awareness problem. Its research shows 532,000 customers were using a social tariff in June 2025, but 70% of eligible households did not know these tariffs existed. That means many homes may still be paying more than they need to for an essential service.

Broadband Social Tariffs: Who is affected

You may be affected if you or someone in your household receives Universal Credit. Ofcom says if you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.

All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support. Some providers may include additional benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance, but this varies by provider.

One important detail: Ofcom says the person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract. So if the broadband account is in the wrong name, you may need to ask the provider what options are available before applying.

Broadband Social Tariffs: What it could mean for your bill

A broadband social tariff could reduce your monthly cost if you are currently paying standard broadband or phone prices. The exact saving depends on your current package, speed, provider and whether you also pay for a landline, TV bundle or extras.

Social tariffs can also protect your household from some of the usual contract worries. Ofcom says if your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge. The price should not go up mid-contract, and you should not pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of the contract.

That matters because a calm home needs reliable connection. Broadband is no longer a luxury bill for many households. It supports work, school messages, online GP services, banking, benefits, job applications, family contact and emergency information. If your broadband bill is too high, the pressure can spread across the whole home budget.

Broadband Social Tariffs: What you should check now

First, check whether your current provider offers a social tariff. Ofcom keeps a list of available broadband and phone social tariffs, and you can search by provider.

Second, check your benefit eligibility. Universal Credit is widely accepted across available tariffs. Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support are also included by all major providers. Other benefits may count with some providers, so it is worth checking rather than assuming you do not qualify.

Third, check the speed and service type. A lower price is useful, but your household still needs a connection that works for daily life. Think about how many people use the internet at home, whether anyone works from home, whether children stream or study online, and whether you rely on video calls.

Fourth, check whether you are paying for extras you no longer use. Ofcom research has also highlighted that many households have unused landlines or oversized mobile data allowances. If you are reviewing broadband, it makes sense to review the whole communications bundle.

Broadband Social Tariffs: Your practical next steps

1. Start by finding your latest broadband or phone bill. Write down your provider, monthly price, contract end date, broadband speed, and whether your package includes a landline, TV or mobile add-on.
2. Then check whether anyone in your household receives a qualifying benefit. If the benefit is in the name of someone who is not the account holder, contact the provider and ask what they need you to do.
3. Next, contact your provider directly and use clear wording: “I receive a qualifying benefit. Do you offer a broadband or phone social tariff, and can I switch to it without a penalty?”
4. If your provider does not offer one, check Ofcom’s list of providers that do. You may be able to switch to a provider that does offer a social tariff. Ask your current provider whether you can leave your existing contract without paying an early termination charge.
5. Before agreeing to anything, check the monthly price, speed, setup costs, contract length, landline requirements, mid-contract price rise rules and whether you can leave without a fee.

A well-run home does not only chase the cheapest deal. It checks whether the deal keeps the household connected, calm and protected from surprise costs.

Broadband Social Tariffs: Useful related HUBS guides

For a wider household check, use the HUBS broadband guides and the HUBS phone and landline guides.

You may also want to read our guide on how to save money on your broadband bill, especially if you are out of contract or paying for a package that no longer suits your home.

If you want a simple household review, use the HUBS 3-minute bill reset checklist to spot which bill needs attention first.

Broadband Social Tariffs: Official help and support links

Check Ofcom’s official social tariff guidance here: Ofcom social tariffs: cheaper broadband and phone packages.

Check Ofcom’s guide to saving money on phone, broadband and pay-TV bills here: Ofcom saving money on phone, broadband and pay-TV bills.

Check Citizens Advice support if you are struggling with bills here: Citizens Advice budgeting help.

People Also Asked…

What are broadband social tariffs?

Broadband social tariffs are cheaper broadband packages for people who receive certain benefits. Some providers call them essential or basic broadband, but they are designed to provide a lower-cost connection for eligible households.

Who qualifies for broadband social tariffs?

You may qualify if you or someone in your household receives Universal Credit. Major providers also include Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support. Some providers include other benefits too.

How much do broadband social tariffs cost?

Ofcom says current prices range from £10 to £24. The exact price depends on the provider, speed and package available in your area.

Can I switch to a social tariff during my current contract?

Ofcom says if your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge. If your provider does not offer one, ask whether you can leave your current contract without a penalty.

Will a social tariff be slower than normal broadband?

Not necessarily. Ofcom says most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s, which is enough for many everyday household tasks. Always check the speed before switching.