Broadband social tariffs

You might be able to get cheaper broadband or phone services.

If you have a low income and get certain benefits, such as:

  • Universal Credit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Disability Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment

You could be eligible for a lower-cost deal.

Many broadband companies offer special prices called  social tariffs. These give you the same service as other customers, but at a lower cost.

It can be hard to know which deal is best. We’ve created a guide to help you understand your options and find affordable broadband.

If you’re worried about money, please call our Income Team on  0344 736 0066. They can check if you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.

For a full list of broadband and phone social tariffs, visit  www.ofcom.org.uk/social-tariffs (this link will open a new tab).

Affordable broadband guide

Some broadband providers offer cheaper deals if you get certain benefits. These are called social tariffs. Here are a few options:

TalkTalk

Offers six months of free broadband for jobseekers. You can apply through your local Jobcentre (think link will take you to another page).

BT Home Essentials

An Unlimited Fibre Essential Plan from £15 per month is available if you get:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit

Hyperoptic Fair Fibre

  • Home broadband from £15 per month
  • Available if you get:
    • Income Support
    • Pension Credit
    • Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Housing Benefit
    • Personal Independence Payment
    • Attendance Allowance
    • Universal Credit
    • Care Leavers support
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Availability is limited. Use their postcode checker to see if it’s available in your area.
Check availability here

NOW Broadband Basics

  • Broadband for £20 per month
  • Available if you get:
    • Universal Credit
    • Pension Credit
    • Income-based Employment Support Allowance
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Income Support

What if I stop receiving benefits?

Providers will check your benefit status when you sign up. They usually check again at the end of your contract to see if you still qualify.

You may need a landline to use these services.

It’s always worth comparing deals. Switching providers is easy and can help you get the best offers available.

 

I don’t have broadband at home. Can I get internet access for free?

If you do not have broadband at home, there are still ways to get online:

  • BT Home Essentials (Call-Only Plan)
    This plan gives you unlimited minutes to UK landlines and mobiles for £10 a month.
    You can find more details in BT’s downloadable guide.

  • Public Wi-Fi hotspots
    Many cafés, pubs, shops, restaurants and supermarkets offer free Wi-Fi. You might need to buy a drink or snack, but lots of places let you connect without paying.

  • Library computers
    Public libraries have computers and free Wi-Fi that anyone can use.

Free mobile SIM cards

You might be able to get a free SIM card with mobile data through the  National Databank. This is run by  Good Things Foundation  and supported by  Digital Inclusion Hubs  across the UK. Find out more on the Good Things Foundation website (this will take you to a new page).

Who can get a free SIM card?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are 18 or older and from a low-income household
  • AND/OR do not have internet access at home
  • AND/OR do not have internet access when you are out and about
  • AND/OR cannot afford a monthly phone contract or top-up

Depending on your needs and what is available, you may get a SIM card from  O2,  Vodafone, or  Three. Each provider offers different packages.

How to get a free SIM card

  • Find your nearest Digital Inclusion Hub on the Good Things Foundation website (this will take you to a new page).
  • Visit your local library or an O2 store and ask for a National Databank SIM
  • Bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and your mobile phone

You can find more help on using your SIM card on the Good Things Foundation website (this will take you to a new page).