Benefit claimants should ensure they’re not paying over the odds for broadband this winter. With Black Friday looming, it’s worth investigating if you could qualify for a cheaper deal or a social tariff, which could slash bills to as low as £12.50 per month.
Before reaching out to your broadband provider, browse their website to familiarise yourself with the deals available – these are typically exclusive to new customers. However, don’t shy away from haggling for a better deal, particularly if you spot an offer that delivers the same service and speed you currently enjoy but at a reduced price.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis is a strong proponent of haggling to secure cheaper broadband and streaming subscription services. While this can significantly cut your monthly cost, checking if you’re eligible for a broadband social tariff is an even simpler solution and could save you up to £200 over the next year.
Low-income State Pensioners claiming Pension Credit, or those claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Income Support, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) may be able to switch to a social tariff, reports the Daily Record.
A social tariff could potentially save you around £200 each year. The quickest way to check your eligibility for a social tariff is to directly contact your supplier and inquire – even if you don’t qualify, they may be able to suggest other ways to reduce your broadband bill.
It can be somewhat confusing to know if the benefit you’re claiming qualifies for a social tariff, so our colleagues at the Record have compiled a list of all available social tariffs and the benefits that qualify for them. A system established in 2022 allows broadband providers to quickly check eligibility by accessing a special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) IT system – with the claimant’s consent.
The DWP’s system will be able to confirm entitlement for the following benefits: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, Jobseeker’s allowance, Employment and support allowance, Care Leaver’s Support, Reduced Earnings Allowance. The providers listed below are taken from Ofcom’s most recent guidance on social tariff broadband packages.
Direct links to the broadband provider websites can be found here. Please note that the broadband providers listed may not be available in your area – those that cover the entire UK are marked as ‘UK’:
