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Discounted Internet

Find out if you're entitled to discounted internet through a 'Social Tariff' and how to get one

A person holding a mobile phone in the background with their laptop open. In the foreground is a WiFi box.

What is a Social Tariff?

Social Tariffs are discounted broadband and mobile deals for people on eligible benefits, allowing you to access the internet.

Accessing reliable and affordable broadband (internet) isn’t always easy. We’re here to make sure you have the information you need to access a Social Tariff.

What are the benefits?

  • It’s cheaper than a regular package so will save you money. Current prices range from £10 to £25 a month.
  • You can switch at any time, usually free of charge.
  • It costs next-to-nothing to get set up. If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
  • It costs nothing to leave. You won’t pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.

Who is eligible?

This differs depending on the internet provider. But if you, or a member of your household, is currently in receipt of any of the following benefits, you should be eligible:

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Universal Credit/Income Support
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)/Attendance Allowance

How do I get a Social Tariff?

Simply call up your provider, ask if they offer a Social Tariff and ask to switch.

If you currently do not have a provider, take a look at the table below. Choose which provider you think would be best for you and contact them directly.

Please note that the following table is correct as of March 2024, but prices may change.

Social Tariffs currently on offer

Please note these are subject to availability in your area and prices may be changed by the provider at any time.

 

Provider​Social Tariff​Eligibility​Speed​Social Tariff Cost​Normal Cost​
​BT
Unlimited Fibre Essential ​
Unlimited Fibre​
UC, PC, ESA, JSA and IS​36mbps​

​67mbps​

£15 pm (+£9.99)​

​£20pm (+£9.99)​

12 month contract​

£26.99pm (+£29.99)​

​£29.99pm (+£29.99)​

24month contract​

​NOW BROADBANDNOW Broadband Basics​UC, PC, ESA, JSA and IS​36mbps​£20pm​

Monthly contract​

£23pm (+£5)​

12month contract​

​SKYSKY Broadband Basics​Only existing customers on UC, PC, ESA, ISA and IS​36mbps​£20pm​

18month contract​

£25pm​

18month contract​

​TALK TALKFibre 35 Broadband​Only available via DWP/Jobcentre Plus​38mbps​FREE for 6 months​£25pm​

18month contract​

​VIRGIN MEDIA
Essential Broadband​
Essential Broadband Plus​
UC, PC and IS​

Income-based JSA & ESA​

15mbps​

​54mbps​

£12.50pm​

​£20pm​

Monthly contract​

Not available​

Not available​

​VODAFONE Vodafone Essentials​UC, JSA, PC, ESA, IS, PIP, DA and REA​38mbps​£12pm for first 12 months then £22pm​£24pm​

24month contract​

UC (Universal Credit), PC (Pension Credit), ESA (Employment Support Allowance), JSA (Jobseekers Allowance), IS (Income Support), PIP (Personal Independence Payment), DA (Disability Allowance) and REA (Reduced Earnings Allowance)​

More information

Money Saving Expert

Money Saving Expert is a site dedicated to cutting consumer bills and fighting the consumer corner by finding deals, saving cash and campaigning for financial justice.

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Which?

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion. It’s a not for profit organisation all for protecting consumers – here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone.

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Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day, such as broadband, home phone and mobile services.

Learn more

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