Thousands missing out on cheap broadband social tariffs

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Social tariffs can cut broadband bills to £10 a month for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit or disability benefits.

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has highlighted social tariffs available to people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some disability benefits. These 'essential' or 'basic' broadband and phone packages can cut bills to as little as £10 a month, yet millions across the UK are still not taking advantage of them. This is despite the potential to save hundreds of pounds a year.

The tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages but at a lower price, and sometimes with better terms such as no mid-contract increases. Current prices range from £10 to £23 for unlimited broadband. Most tariffs offer speeds over 30 Mbit/s, sufficient for keeping in touch with friends and family, streaming HD films or shopping online.

Setup costs, if required, should only be small, with providers obliged to tell customers before they sign up. To access these tariffs, eligible households should first check whether their current provider offers one. Ofcom lists all available tariffs. Most can be applied for online or by calling the provider to request a switch.

If a current provider does not offer a social tariff, customers can switch to one that does. Providers may allow customers to leave their current contract without paying a penalty fee when switching to a social tariff.

How it is being reported

• You could be paying too much for broadband if you claim these benefitsMartin Lewis has discussed social tariffs that can cut broadband or phone bills and are open to people claiming DWP benefitsWestmorland Gazette · 24 Oct, 05:00
• You could be paying too much for broadband if you claim these benefitsMartin Lewis has discussed social tariffs that can cut broadband or phone bills and are open to people claiming DWP benefitsWhitehaven News · 24 Oct, 05:00
• You could be paying too much for broadband if you claim these benefitsMartin Lewis has discussed social tariffs that can cut broadband or phone bills and are open to people claiming DWP benefitsNW Evening Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00
• You could be paying too much for broadband if you claim these benefitsMartin Lewis has discussed social tariffs that can cut broadband or phone bills and are open to people claiming DWP benefitsNews & Star · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Martin Lewis · Ofcom · North of England

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