Social tariffs are a lifeline for many households struggling to afford broadband in today’s world. With the cost of living crisis and broadband price hikes on the rise, it’s more important than ever for those on benefits to access an internet connection at a much lower monthly price. Citizens Advice reported that up to one million people cancelled their broadband between May 2022-23, missing out on the opportunity to take advantage of these much cheaper social tariff broadband deals.
Social tariffs are specifically designed for individuals receiving Universal Credit or other forms of financial support. These tariffs offer broadband at a significantly reduced rate compared to standard monthly prices, making it more affordable for those in need. The quality and speed of the service remain the same as other home broadband deals, with the only difference being the cost. Additionally, social tariffs are not affected by annual mid-contract price hikes that some providers implement, providing stability in monthly expenses.
Despite the benefits of social tariffs, Uswitch found that two-thirds of financially vulnerable households are unaware of their existence. This means that millions of homes could potentially save up to £234 a year, or nearly £20 per month, by switching to a cheaper broadband contract. It’s crucial for eligible individuals to take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities to ease their financial burden.
Several broadband providers in the UK offer social tariff deals for those on Universal Credit or other financial support schemes. Providers like BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, and Community Fibre have introduced discounted broadband packages to help low-income customers access reliable internet services at affordable rates. These deals vary in terms of speed, pricing, and eligibility criteria, catering to different needs and circumstances.
For example, BT offers the BT Home Essentials plan, which provides part-fibre broadband speeds at a reduced monthly price of £15 for those on financial support without any employment income. Sky and NOW also offer discounted broadband deals for Universal Credit and Pension Credit claimants, while Virgin Media provides Essential broadband connections for customers facing financial difficulty.
Vodafone has recently introduced the Vodafone Essentials broadband plans, offering internet speeds of 38Mbps or 73Mbps at affordable monthly rates. Hyperoptic and Community Fibre also have their own social tariff broadband options for eligible customers. These providers aim to make high-quality internet access more accessible to those in need.
In addition to social tariffs, some broadband providers are now offering free broadband installation to households on Universal Credit with no other earnings. This initiative aims to help more people get connected to the internet and bridge the digital divide in the UK. By removing barriers to access, more individuals can benefit from online services, education, and communication.
Overall, social tariffs play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to essential services like broadband, regardless of their financial situation. By taking advantage of these discounted deals, individuals on benefits can save money on their monthly bills and stay connected in today’s digital world. It’s important to explore the options available from different providers and check eligibility criteria to find the best social tariff deal for your needs.