# Social tariffs UK guide: broadband, mobile and water

> Bills & utilities · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/social-tariffs-uk-guide/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/social-tariffs-uk-guide.md

## Quick answer

Social tariffs are discounted broadband, mobile and water bills for households on low incomes — typically £10–£25 a month for fibre broadband, £10–£15 for mobile, and reduced water rates through your regional supplier. Eligibility usually requires Universal Credit, Pension Credit or similar benefits.

If you receive qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to three separate types of social tariff: home broadband, mobile phone, and water bill reduction. This hub links each scheme, explains shared eligibility rules, and shows how to apply without paying early-exit fees where providers allow.

## Key facts

- Broadband social tariffs: major providers offer £10–£25/month fibre to benefit claimants
- Mobile social tariffs: newer, often £10–£15/month SIM-only from selected networks
- Water social tariffs: every England and Wales water company offers a low-income scheme
- You can claim multiple social tariffs simultaneously if you meet each provider's rules
- Ofcom publishes an official list of broadband and mobile social tariff providers

## Broadband social tariffs

BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Hyperoptic and others offer social tariffs to customers on qualifying benefits. Speeds are usually adequate for streaming, video calls and homeworking.

Most providers move eligible customers mid-contract without early-exit fees. Provide proof of benefit when asked.

## Mobile social tariffs

Mobile social tariffs suit people without fixed broadband or who need affordable data on the move. Check Ofcom's list — offers change and not every major network participates.

See our dedicated mobile social tariffs guide for network-by-network switching steps.

## Water social tariffs and WaterSure

Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff with a discount on bills for low-income households. Names vary — WaterSure, HelpU, Assure, and similar.

WaterSure caps bills for benefit claimants who use large amounts of water for medical reasons or large families. Apply through your water company.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a credit check?

Social tariffs generally do not require credit checks. Providers verify benefit entitlement instead.

### Will switching affect my benefit claims?

No. Social tariffs reduce bills you pay; they are not counted as income for Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

### What else should I check?

Council Tax Support, the Household Support Fund, Warm Home Discount and Pension Credit unlock other help — use our cost-of-living timeline guide.

## Primary source

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs

## Related

- [Broadband social tariffs](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/broadband-social-tariffs-and-mid-contract-rises/)
- [Mobile social tariffs](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/mobile-social-tariffs-uk/)
- [Water bills & social tariffs](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-bills-social-tariffs/)
- [Cost of living timeline](https://moneyguide.org.uk/budgeting/cost-of-living-payments-timeline-2026/)

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.