FindBroadband
Sign up
Skip to main content
Free · No sign-up · Checked against Ofcom’s list

Social tariff broadband on benefits.

Social tariff broadband costs £12.50 to £25 a month if you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits, often without changing provider (providers’ own prices, 26 October 2026). Pick what you get and who you’re with to see your options.

Social tariff finder

Which benefits do you get?

Tap one to start. You can add the others next.

Free. No sign-up or email needed to see your result.

85% of homes on qualifying benefits can get one without switching provider

8.6% of eligible households actually use one

Source: Ofcom pricing report, 26 February 2026

How to apply

Ten minutes on the phone.

Most big providers check your benefit when you apply, with the DWP or your National Insurance number. Some ask for proof instead, like a recent award letter.

  1. 01

    Contact your provider, or the one you picked

    Ask for its social tariff by name.

  2. 02

    Have your National Insurance number ready

    Most providers use it, or your name and date of birth, to confirm your benefit. If yours asks for proof instead, a recent award letter or statement usually works.

  3. 03

    Ask about your current contract

    If you’re mid-contract, ask whether you can move without a fee. The big providers have committed to help customers in financial difficulty, for example by letting them move to a cheaper plan without one.

Source: gov.uk, Telecoms Consumer Charter, 11 February 2026

Questions

Social tariffs, plainly.

Can I keep my current provider?

Probably. Ofcom says about 85% of homes on qualifying benefits could get a social tariff without changing provider. The finder shows your own provider’s tariff first.

Which benefits count?

Almost every social tariff on our list accepts Universal Credit, and most take Pension Credit, Income Support and income-based JSA or ESA. Beyond that it varies. PIP counts at Vodafone, Hyperoptic and several regional providers, but not at BT, Sky, Virgin Media or NOW. Community Fibre’s needs no benefit at all.

Do social tariffs go up every April?

Not always. Virgin Media’s Essential tariffs are left out of its yearly price change, and BT, Sky and Vodafone say theirs don’t rise during the contract. Ask before you sign.

I have no broadband at all. What can I get?

Mobile social tariffs cost about £10 to £12 a month. Some community groups also hand out free SIM cards with data through the National Databank.

What if I’m not on benefits?

Then the cheapest route is usually a new deal. The broadband cost of living check compares what you pay with the deals at your exact address.

Not on benefits?

Check what you could pay.

The broadband cost of living check compares your bill with deals at your exact address, April price rises included.

Run the free check