Broadband Social Tariffs UK 2026: Cut Your Internet Bill

Broadband and mobile bills are easy to overlook because they are usually paid by direct debit. If you receive certain benefits, however, you may be able to move to a cheaper social tariff and reduce your monthly cost.

Social tariffs are not charity broadband and they are not normally slower emergency packages. They are lower-priced phone or internet deals offered by participating providers to eligible customers.

What is a broadband social tariff?

A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or phone package for people on certain benefits or in specific financial circumstances.

Ofcom says that available social tariffs were priced from around £10 to £24 a month on its current list, although prices, speeds and availability can change. Most offer unlimited data, and many provide speeds suitable for streaming, video calls, online shopping and everyday browsing.

You can see the current provider list on Ofcom’s social tariffs page.

Who can qualify?

Eligibility depends on the provider, but Ofcom says social tariffs may be available to households receiving benefits such as:

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

Some providers may also accept households receiving benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.

The person receiving the qualifying benefit usually needs to be the main person named on the broadband or phone contract. Always check the exact provider rules before applying.

How much could you save?

The saving depends on your current package and the social tariff available at your address.

Someone paying £35 a month for regular broadband might pay substantially less on a social tariff, while someone already on a low-cost package may save less. Compare:

• Monthly price
• Download speed
• Upload speed
• Contract length
• Installation or setup charges
• Router arrangements
• Whether calls or mobile data are included
• Whether the deal is available at your address

Do not choose a package based only on the headline price.

Does a social tariff provide fast broadband?

Many current social tariffs offer speeds over 30 Mbit/s, according to Ofcom. That is enough for many ordinary households to:

• Browse the web
• Stream HD video
• Use online banking
• Join video calls
• Work from home
• Use social media
• Play many online games

The right speed depends on how many people use the connection and what they do online. A family streaming several high-resolution videos at once may need more capacity than one person using a laptop.

How to apply

1. Check your current provider first

Contact your broadband provider and ask whether it offers a social tariff. Search for “social tariff”, “essential broadband” or “basic broadband” on its official website.

Some providers allow existing customers to move to the cheaper tariff without an early-exit fee. Ask the provider to confirm this before you agree to anything.

2. Check your benefit and account details

You may need to provide:

• Your name
• Your account number
• The benefit you receive
• Permission for the provider to verify eligibility
• Your address

The provider should tell you how it checks the information. Never send your full bank password or online-banking login details.

3. Check coverage and speed

A social tariff may be available only where that provider has a network. Ofcom’s page lists regional availability, but the provider must still check your exact address.

4. Compare the full package

Ask what happens to your router, phone line, installation, contract and monthly price. Get the details in writing if possible.

5. Switch only after confirming the new deal

Do not cancel your current service until the new provider or tariff is confirmed. This helps avoid unnecessary downtime.

What if your current provider does not offer one?

You may be able to switch to another provider that offers a social tariff in your area.

Before switching, check:

• Whether the new provider covers your address
• Whether you can leave your existing contract without a fee
• Whether the new tariff has an installation charge
• Whether the speed is suitable
• Whether your benefit is accepted
• When the new service will start

Ofcom’s current social-tariff list includes national and regional providers, so availability varies considerably.

Mobile phone social tariffs

Some mobile providers also offer low-cost social tariffs or essential mobile packages. These may include:

• A set amount of data
• Calls and texts
• 4G or 5G access where available
• A monthly price that does not change mid-contract

Coverage and data allowances matter more for mobiles than for a home connection. Check whether the plan works well in the places where you live, travel and work.

If you already have a mobile contract, ask whether the provider can move you to a cheaper social plan or whether you would need a new arrangement.

Can prices increase during the contract?

Ofcom says social tariffs are designed to provide a stable lower-cost option, and its guidance says customers do not pay more than the price agreed at the start of the contract. Still, read the provider’s current terms because packages and conditions can change.

Ask specifically:

• Is the monthly price fixed?
• Is there an annual increase?
• Is the price different after a promotional period?
• Are there setup charges?
• Can the provider change the speed or package?

Can I leave a social tariff without a fee?

Ofcom says social tariffs generally allow customers to leave without paying an early-exit fee. Confirm the exact terms with your provider, especially if you are moving house or changing to a different type of service.

What if I am behind on my broadband bill?

Do not wait until the service is disconnected.

Contact the provider and explain that you are struggling to pay. Ask about:

• A social tariff
• A payment arrangement
• A temporary pause or reduced payment
• Help for vulnerable customers
• Whether any charges can be reviewed

The provider may have support that is not advertised in the main tariff list.

How social tariffs fit into your wider budget

Broadband is only one recurring household cost. Review it alongside energy, insurance, subscriptions, mobile phone bills and council tax.

Our household-bills guide provides a broader checklist, while our benefits and support guide explains how to check whether your household may qualify for support.

Common mistakes

Assuming every provider accepts every benefit

Providers set their own qualifying rules. Check the exact tariff.

Ignoring regional availability

A deal listed by Ofcom may not cover your address.

Looking only at price

A very cheap package may have a lower speed or smaller mobile data allowance.

Cancelling too early

Wait until the new tariff or provider is confirmed.

Paying a claims company

You should normally be able to contact the provider directly. Be cautious of anyone charging to apply for a social tariff.

Frequently asked questions

Are social tariffs only for unemployed people?

No. Eligibility can include people in work who receive certain benefits, pensioners and households with other qualifying circumstances.

Will I lose my broadband completely if I change tariff?

Usually, the provider changes the package rather than stopping the connection, but confirm the process with your provider.

Can I get a social tariff with a prepayment meter?

Broadband tariffs are separate from energy-meter arrangements. Your eligibility depends on the communications provider’s rules.

Are social tariffs available across the whole UK?

Some are national and others are regional. Always check the provider’s coverage at your address.

The bottom line

If you or someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, check whether you can move to a broadband or mobile social tariff. The saving can be meaningful, and the package may still provide enough speed for everyday use.

Start with your current provider, compare the full terms and use Ofcom’s updated list to find other options if necessary.

Information checked against Ofcom’s social-tariff guidance in September 2026. Prices, speeds and provider availability can change.

Cover image: BoliviaInteligente via Unsplash.