Broadband social tariffs in the UK
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In short. Broadband social tariffs are cheaper broadband packages — typically £12–£25 a month — offered by most major UK providers to people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit and certain other means-tested benefits. Take-up remains low: Ofcom estimate fewer than 10% of eligible UK households are on one. Switching to a social tariff carries no exit fee, even mid-contract.
Social tariffs were introduced under voluntary commitments to government in 2022 and are listed on Ofcom's official page. They cover both fixed-line broadband and a handful of mobile-only options.
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Who qualifies
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)
- Income Support
- Some providers also accept Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Housing Benefit
Typical pricing in 2025/26
- Most social tariffs are £15–£20/month for fibre broadband
- Speeds usually 25–100 Mbps depending on the package
- No setup fee in most cases
- Most have no mid-contract price rises
- No exit fee to switch from a normal contract to a social tariff with the same or a different provider
How to apply
Contact the existing provider and ask to switch to their social tariff, or check Ofcom's list at ofcom.org.uk/social-tariffs and choose a different provider. The provider verifies eligibility against DWP records (with the customer's permission) or asks for a benefit award letter. The switch is usually completed within 10 working days under the 'One Touch Switch' process.
FAQ
- Will I lose my email address if I switch?
- Provider-issued email addresses (e.g. @btinternet.com, @sky.com) usually stay active for at least 60 days after a switch and can sometimes be kept indefinitely for a fee. Independent email (Gmail, Outlook.com) is unaffected.
- Does a social tariff affect my Universal Credit?
- No — the saving is treated as a discount on a service, not as income or capital. It does not change any benefit entitlement.
- Can I get a free or cheap mobile contract too?
- Some mobile-only social tariffs exist (e.g. Voxi for Now, Smarty Social, Vodafone Charities Connected). Coverage and data allowances vary; Ofcom's social-tariff page lists current options.