Broadband Social Tariffs: Who Can Get One and What to Check

A social tariff is a lower-priced broadband plan for people on certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Many UK providers offer one, each with its own eligibility, speed and price. You apply to the provider, which checks your eligibility.

Who is usually eligible

Most social tariffs are for households receiving Universal Credit, and many also accept Pension Credit and some other benefits. The list differs by provider, so check each provider’s own terms.

How to apply

1. Check which providers reach your address.
2. Read each provider’s eligibility terms for its social tariff.
3. Apply to the provider. It confirms your benefit, often with your permission to check directly.
4. If you already have broadband with that provider, ask to move to its social tariff.

What to check

• The monthly price, and whether it can rise during the contract
• The speed, for how your household uses the internet
• The contract length, and any fee to leave
• Whether a fee applies to leave your current contract early

Ofcom publishes a list of the social tariffs available and the providers that offer them.

How Wisemium helps

Wisemium does not list social tariffs; you apply to the provider. Add your broadband to Wisemium with its price and contract end date, and the end date is shown as needing attention before it arrives, so you can move when it suits you.