The short answer: social tariffs are discounted broadband deals offered by major providers to people who receive Universal Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. Prices typically start around £12 to £20 per month for speeds of 10 to 36 Mbps. If you or anyone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, you are almost certainly eligible and could save significantly compared to a standard broadband deal.
What is a broadband social tariff?
A social tariff is a discounted broadband package that providers make available specifically to households on qualifying means-tested benefits. The idea is to keep broadband affordable for people who are managing on a reduced income, given how essential an internet connection now is for accessing services, applying for jobs, and keeping in contact with others.
Social tariffs are separate products from the standard deals you see advertised. They are not on the usual comparison pages and often not prominently displayed on provider websites either. In many cases you will need to call the provider directly to sign up, rather than ordering online. Ofcom requires providers to offer social tariffs, but it does not require them to make the sign-up process straightforward.
If you are looking for other ways to reduce your broadband bill beyond social tariffs, see our guide to how to get cheaper broadband.
Who qualifies for a social tariff?
Eligibility is based on benefit receipt, not your level of income. The qualifying benefits vary slightly between providers, but across the board they include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
Some providers also accept Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, and other means-tested benefits. It is worth checking directly with the provider if your benefit is not listed above, as the qualifying list has been extended by several providers in recent years.
Social tariffs are not income-tested. If you are on Universal Credit and also earning part-time wages, you still qualify. The only requirement is that you or someone in your household is receiving a qualifying benefit at the time you apply.
When you apply, providers typically verify eligibility in one of two ways: either by checking directly against Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, or by asking you to provide a letter or screenshot confirming your benefit status. The DWP check, where available, takes only a few seconds.
Which providers offer social tariffs?
As of 2026, the following major providers offer social tariffs. Prices and speeds listed are approximate and can change, so always confirm directly with the provider before signing up.
| Provider | Product name | Approximate price | Typical download speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT | Home Essentials | Around £15/mo | Up to 36 Mbps |
| Sky | Broadband Basics | Around £20/mo | Up to 36 Mbps |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | Around £20/mo | Up to 15 Mbps |
| Vodafone | Broadband Basics | Around £12/mo | Up to 10 Mbps |
| Community Fibre | Social tariff (London only) | Varies | Up to 50 Mbps |
| Hyperoptic | Social tariff | Varies | Up to 50 Mbps |
Community Fibre and Hyperoptic only cover certain areas, primarily in London and other major cities, so check whether they serve your address before applying.
Social tariff prices do not always include a setup or activation fee. Check whether there is an upfront cost before agreeing, and confirm whether the price is fixed for the contract term or subject to mid-contract rises.
What speeds do social tariffs offer?
Most social tariffs provide download speeds in the range of 10 to 36 Mbps. That is slower than many standard broadband deals, but it is enough for the majority of everyday tasks:
- General browsing, email, and social media
- Streaming video in standard definition or HD on one screen
- Video calls on Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime
- Online banking and accessing government services
If you have multiple people in the household streaming or working from home simultaneously, a 10 Mbps connection may feel stretched. In that case, it is worth asking whether a faster social tariff tier is available. Some providers offer higher speeds on their social products at a slightly higher price.
How to apply for a social tariff
The process varies by provider, but the broad steps are the same:
- Check which providers cover your address. Enter your postcode on this site to see which networks are available where you live.
- Contact the provider directly. For most social tariffs, you cannot sign up online through the standard ordering page. Call the provider's customer service line and ask specifically about their social tariff or the product name listed in the table above.
- Confirm your benefit status. The provider will either check via DWP data with your consent, or ask you to upload or read out details from your benefit award letter. Have a recent letter or your Universal Credit journal to hand.
- Agree the contract. Social tariffs typically run on a 12-month contract, though some are available on a rolling monthly basis. Check the terms before agreeing.
If a provider makes it difficult to access their social tariff, you can raise a complaint with Ofcom. Providers have a legal obligation to make social tariffs available to eligible customers, even if those products are not prominently advertised.
Can you switch between providers on social tariffs?
Yes. The One Touch Switching process applies to social tariff customers in the same way as any other broadband customer. You sign up with a new provider, they handle the transfer with your old provider, and your service moves across. You do not need to cancel your current contract before applying with the new provider.
You will need to reconfirm your benefit eligibility with the new provider as part of the sign-up process. This is usually straightforward if your benefit status has not changed. For a full walkthrough of how switching works, see our guide to how to switch broadband provider.
What you do not need
- You do not need to be unemployed. Working part-time while receiving Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit still makes you eligible.
- You do not need to have been with the provider before. New customers can apply for social tariffs. You are not required to have a prior relationship with the provider.
- You do not need to show proof of low income. Eligibility is based on benefit receipt, not on what you earn.
- You do not need to wait until your current contract ends. If you are on a rolling monthly deal or close to your contract end date, you can apply to switch to a social tariff with a different provider at any time.
Frequently asked questions
I am on Universal Credit but also have a part-time job. Do I still qualify?
Yes. Receiving Universal Credit is sufficient to qualify, regardless of whether you are also earning wages. Social tariffs are based on benefit receipt, not on income level or employment status.
My partner receives the benefit but it is in their name. Can we still apply?
In most cases, yes. If any member of the household is in receipt of a qualifying benefit, the household is eligible. You may need to provide your partner's details and their benefit documentation when you apply.
What happens if my benefit stops? Do I lose the social tariff?
If you are no longer receiving a qualifying benefit, you are no longer entitled to a social tariff. Providers typically check eligibility at the point of sign-up and at renewal. If your circumstances change during a contract, you should inform your provider. You may be moved onto a standard tariff, and the terms for doing so vary by provider.
Why are social tariffs not on the main comparison pages?
Ofcom requires providers to offer social tariffs but does not require them to be marketed prominently alongside standard products. As a result, many providers keep them off their main website and standard comparison tools. This is a known issue that consumer groups have raised with the industry.
Are social tariff prices fixed, or can they go up mid-contract?
This depends on the specific contract terms. Some social tariffs come with fixed pricing for the contract term, while others include the same mid-contract price rise clauses as standard deals. Read the terms before agreeing. If a provider raises the price mid-contract, you have the right to exit without an early termination fee, provided you do so within the 30-day notice window.
Do social tariffs require a long-term contract?
Most social tariffs are offered on 12-month contracts, though some providers offer shorter or rolling monthly options. Monthly contracts give you more flexibility if your benefit status may change, but they can cost more per month. Ask the provider what options are available before committing.
What if I am already paying more than a social tariff price on a standard deal?
If you are currently on a standard deal and receive a qualifying benefit, you could be paying significantly more than you need to. Check whether your current provider offers a social tariff and ask to be moved onto it. If they cannot match a better price from another provider, switching is straightforward via One Touch Switching. See our guide on how to get cheaper broadband for more options alongside social tariffs.