Social tariffs
Broadband social tariffs
Social tariffs are discounted broadband plans for households on means-tested benefits. They start from around £12 a month with no setup fee, no mid-contract price rises and a 30-day exit if your circumstances change.
Social tariffs
Not on benefits? You can still find an affordable plan, most providers offer fibre under £25 a month.
Compare cheap broadbandBroadband Social Tariffs: Key Numbers
From £12/mo
Cheapest social tariff available
Vodafone Essentials Broadband, 38 Mbps, rolling monthly
55%+
Eligible households who have never heard of social tariffs
Ofcom research, millions are paying full price unnecessarily
£200–£400
Typical annual saving vs standard broadband
Based on switching from average £32/mo to a £15/mo social tariff
7+
Major providers now offering social tariffs
BT, Vodafone, Virgin Media, Sky, NOW, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre
What Every Social Tariff Includes
Fixed monthly price with no mid-contract increases, unlike standard broadband which rises every April by CPI plus up to 3.9%.
No exit fees, cancel at any time if your circumstances change or your benefit award ends.
Free installation or activation in most cases. Only BT charges a one-off router delivery fee of around £9.99.
Speeds between 15 Mbps and 50 Mbps, more than enough for HD streaming, video calls, and online schoolwork for most households.
Which Benefits Qualify?
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP), some providers
- Attendance Allowance, some providers
Best Broadband Social Tariffs at a Glance
Each provider sets its own eligibility and pricing: always confirm directly before switching.
Vodafone: £12/mo (38 Mbps)
Cheapest social tariff on the market. 30-day rolling contract with no exit fees. Accepts Universal Credit and Pension Credit. Available across the Openreach network.
BT Home Essentials: £15/mo (36 Mbps)
Most widely available social tariff in the UK. 12-month contract, no price rises, no exit fees. Accepts Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, and Income Support. Optional 67 Mbps upgrade for £20.
Virgin Media Essential — £12.50/mo (15 Mbps)
Rolling monthly plan — lowest commitment of any social tariff. Only available in Virgin Media cable areas and only if you receive Universal Credit. Slower speed but genuinely flexible.
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre: £15/mo (50 Mbps)
Best speed-to-price ratio of any social tariff. 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps options also available for eligible households. Available in supported buildings only. Accepts Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA.
How to Apply for a Broadband Social Tariff
Four steps from eligibility check to lower monthly bill
Confirm Your Benefit
Check you are currently receiving a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Get your award letter or a DWP screenshot ready, you will need to provide proof when you apply.
Compare Plans on Switch
Use Switch to see which providers offer social tariffs at your postcode. Not every provider covers every area, so filtering by your address first saves time and shows you only deals you can actually get.
Apply with Your Chosen Provider
Call or apply online with the provider. They will ask you to confirm your benefit status. Most applications are processed within a few working days, and installation is usually free.
Switch Without Penalty
If you are moving from a different provider, Ofcom rules mean you can leave your current contract without paying exit fees. Your new provider handles the switch, typical switchover takes one to two weeks with no gap in service.
Broadband social tariffs: questions
Who is eligible for a broadband social tariff?
Eligibility is set by each provider but typically covers Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and Income Support. Some providers also accept Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. Only one person in the household needs to be on a qualifying benefit.