Many people on some benefits may be able to get cheaper broadband with what are often called social tariffs. There’s a full list on Money Saving Expert here. You can also find out more from OFCOM. Below is an idea of the type of savings you could make.
BT Home Essentials
Stay connected with BT low-cost broadband and phone plans. Available if you’re on specific benefits, they’re perfect for everything from accessing services to video calls and streaming TV. New or existing BT customers can apply. You’ll also need to be receiving one of these benefits to qualify:
- Universal Credit (all claimants)
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Eligibility rules apply)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (Eligibility rules apply)
- Income Support
Fibre broadband from £15 per month
Plus £9.99 P&P. Or get a call-only plan for £10 a month.
Average speeds up to 67Mb
Enter your postcode below to see what speeds you could get. 12 month contract No early exit fees, so you’re not tied in if your circumstances change.
Instant online check. With our eligibility check, you’ll find out immediately if you qualify.
Don’t forget you’ll need your National Insurance number when you order, so we can check you’re eligible.
If you qualify, you’ll get Home Essentials for a year, even if you come off benefits. After 12 months, we’ll run another eligibility check. If you still qualify, we’ll keep you on the same plan. If anything’s changed, we’ll let you know.
Sky Broadband Social Tariff
Sky Broadband Basics could be for you if you’re struggling to pay your Sky Broadband bills, but want to stay connected.
Are you eligible?
You (the Sky account holder) need to be claiming Universal Credit or Pension Credit and be named on the Universal or Pension Credit monthly statement to qualify for Sky Broadband Basics. We’ll ask you for your National Insurance number so than we can check you’re eligible – have it to hand when you get in touch.
It is only available to customers who already have Sky Broadband with us, but you’ll need to get in touch to move to Sky Broadband Basics.
Not got Sky Broadband? NOW has a similar product that might be suitable. Go to What is NOW Broadband Basics for more info.
What’s included
Sky Broadband Basics costs £20 a month for 18 months. It includes:
- Sky Broadband Superfast 35 with an average download speed of 36Mb/s.
- Or if fibre isn’t available where you live, Sky Broadband Essential Plus with average download speeds of 11Mb/s.
- Sky Pay As You Talk. Only pay for the calls that you make.
It comes with a new 18-month contract, but if you need to leave us before it ends, we won’t charge you any early termination fees on your Sky Broadband.
After 18-months the price will go back to the standard rate – we’ll tell you what this will be when you get in touch to take Sky Broadband Basics. You’ll also get an email to let you know when the price is coming to an end, and you can get in touch to talk about the options available.
Virgin Media Essential Broadband
Who can get Essential broadband?
Available to new or existing Virgin Media customers, our Essential broadband offers a reliable broadband connection for those on Universal Credit. Explore the product details below, then head to live chat to order.
Essential broadband
15Mbps Fibre Broadband
£12.50 a month, 30 day rolling contract, Free setup
Plan details:
Your Virgin Media Price
• £12.50 a month on a 30 day rolling contract
• Prices will never change
Fibre broadband
• Virgin Media WiFi Hub
• 15Mbps average download speed
• 2Mbps average upload speed
For more broadband savings visit Money Saving Expert here
