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social-tariffs

Broadband social tariffs, the main UK providers in one place

AdeAde9 June 20262 min readUpdated 15 Oct 2026
Family using a laptop at home

Cheaper internet for people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits. From £12.50/month across more than 20 UK providers, no exit fees if you stop qualifying.

Every major social tariff accepts the same five benefits. A few providers (Hyperoptic, Vodafone, KCOM) additionally accept some non-means-tested benefits like PIP.

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee)
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income-based)
  • Income Support
  • Personal Independence Payment (some providers)

Most providers verify eligibility electronically by checking with the DWP. You'll need your National Insurance number when you apply. Approval typically takes 1-30 days. No credit check.

Sorted cheapest to most expensive. Every monthly price holds for the contract length, no CPI+3.9% rises mid-contract on any social tariff.

  • Virgin Media Essential Broadband, £12.50-£20/month. 15-54 Mbps on Virgin's cable network. 30-day rolling contract. Details →
  • Community Fibre Essential, £12.50/month. 35 Mbps full-fibre. London coverage only, open to any new customer who needs it. Details →
  • Hyperoptic Fair Fibre, £13-£20/month. 150 Mbps to 1 Gbps symmetric, the fastest social tariff on the market. Hyperoptic-wired buildings only. Details →
  • BT Home Essentials, £15-£25/month. 16-67 Mbps. 12-month contract exempt from mid-contract rises. Details →
  • Vodafone Essentials Broadband, £20/month. Up to 73 Mbps fibre. 12-month contract with no in-contract rises. Details →
  • Sky Broadband Basics, £20-£24/month. 35 Mbps at £20, 75 Mbps full fibre at £24. Existing Sky customers only. Details →

If you're tied into a standard broadband contract and qualify for a social tariff, you can switch to your own provider's social tariff at any time, free of charge. If you want a different provider's, your current provider might let you leave early without a fee, so ask them first.

Check our cheap broadband deals for the lowest-priced standard packages.

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