Social tariffs in the UK: what to check
Last reviewed: 22 March 2026
Short answer: A broadband social tariff is a discounted deal offered by some UK internet providers to people receiving certain means-tested benefits. Monthly prices typically range from around £10 to £20, significantly less than a standard contract. Not every provider offers one, eligibility rules differ between companies, and the speeds available vary, so it is worth checking the details before you apply.
At a glance
- Social tariffs are cheaper broadband packages reserved for people on qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
- Monthly costs are typically £10–£20, compared with £25–£35+ for a standard deal.
- Eligibility criteria vary by provider, always confirm directly before applying.
- Most social tariffs are rolling monthly contracts with no exit fees, though some have fixed terms.
- Ofcom publishes an up-to-date list of providers and their social tariff terms.
- You may still find a cheaper standard deal in some cases, compare both before committing.
Who can get a social tariff
There is no single UK-wide eligibility rule. Each provider decides which benefits qualify. However, most social tariffs are available to people receiving at least one of the following:
- Universal Credit (including all elements)
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP), accepted by some providers
- Disability Living Allowance, accepted by some providers
- Attendance Allowance, accepted by a small number of providers
- Carer’s Allowance, accepted by some providers
A few providers also extend eligibility to people on certain legacy benefits or tax credits. The key point is that acceptance of a benefit for one provider does not guarantee acceptance elsewhere. Always check the provider’s own criteria before starting an application.
You will normally need to prove you are receiving the qualifying benefit. Most providers verify this through the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) benefits confirmation service, so you may not need to upload documents yourself.
How social tariffs compare to standard deals
The table below gives a general comparison. Exact prices, speeds, and terms depend on the provider and your postcode.
| Feature | Social tariff | Standard deal |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | £10–£20 | £25–£45 |
| Average download speed | 15–80 Mbps (varies by provider) | 30–900+ Mbps |
| Contract length | Usually 30-day rolling | 12–24 months fixed |
| Exit fees | None in most cases | Early termination charges may apply |
| Setup fees | Often waived | May apply, especially for full fibre |
| Price rises during contract | Typically fixed for the duration | Annual mid-contract increases are common |
| Eligibility | Must be receiving a qualifying benefit | Open to everyone |
| Speed choice | Limited, usually one or two tiers | Wide range of packages |
Social tariffs can save £100–£200 or more per year compared with a standard contract at a similar speed. However, if you need very high speeds (for example, for remote work or a large household), a standard deal may be the only option that meets your needs.
How to apply for a social tariff
The process is straightforward, but the exact steps vary between providers. Here is the general approach:
- Check whether your current provider offers a social tariff. If it does, you can often switch to the social tariff without changing provider or needing new hardware.
- Confirm your eligibility. Have your National Insurance number ready. Most providers verify your benefit status automatically through the DWP.
- Apply online, by phone, or in store. Some providers only accept applications through a specific channel, so check their website first.
- Wait for confirmation. Verification usually takes a few days. You may be placed on the social tariff from your next billing date or once any existing contract ends.
- Re-verify when required. Some providers check your eligibility annually. If you stop receiving the qualifying benefit, you may be moved to a standard tariff.
If you are not currently with a provider that offers a social tariff, you can switch to one that does. Check our exit fees guide to understand any costs involved in leaving your current contract early.
Things to check before choosing a social tariff
- Speed suitability: Make sure the download speed on offer meets your household’s needs. A social tariff offering 15–40 Mbps is fine for browsing, email, and standard-definition streaming, but may struggle with multiple 4K streams or large file downloads.
- Availability at your address: Not all providers cover all postcodes. Use our comparison tool to see which deals are available where you live.
- Contract terms: Most social tariffs run on a 30-day rolling basis, but a small number have fixed-term contracts. Read the terms carefully.
- Bundled services: Social tariffs generally cover broadband only. If you also need a phone line, TV, or mobile, check whether the provider offers add-ons or whether a bundle from another provider might be better value overall.
- Standard deal comparison: Occasionally, a promotional standard deal may be cheaper than a social tariff, especially if you are a new customer eligible for introductory pricing. Always compare like-for-like before deciding.
- Re-verification: Understand what happens if your benefit status changes. Most providers will move you to a standard tariff, sometimes at a higher price. Ask what notice you will receive.
What if your provider does not offer one
Not all broadband providers participate in the social tariff scheme. If yours does not, you have several options:
- Switch to a provider that does. Under Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process, changing broadband provider is relatively quick and your new provider handles most of the work. See our switching guide for details.
- Negotiate with your current provider. Even without a formal social tariff, some providers will offer a reduced rate if you explain your circumstances, especially if you are out of contract.
- Look for other ways to reduce costs. Our guide to saving money on broadband covers haggling, bundling, and timing your switch for the best price.
- Check local authority or charity support. Some councils and charities provide subsidised internet access or devices for people on low incomes.
Common questions about social tariffs
Can I get a social tariff if I already have a broadband contract?
Yes, in most cases. If your current provider offers a social tariff, you can usually switch to it mid-contract without paying exit fees. If you need to move to a different provider, you may need to wait until your contract ends or pay an early termination charge. Check our exit fees guide for more detail.
Will I lose my phone number or email address if I switch?
If you are switching broadband provider, you can usually keep your landline number under Ofcom’s switching rules. Provider-specific email addresses (e.g. @bt or @sky) may stop working after you leave, so set up a free email account with a service like Gmail or Outlook before switching.
What happens if I stop receiving benefits?
Most providers will move you to a standard tariff. The exact timing and price depend on the provider’s terms. Some give 30 days’ notice; others move you at the end of your current billing period. Ask your provider about their policy before you sign up.
Are social tariffs available for mobile broadband?
A small number of mobile providers offer social tariffs on SIM-only or mobile broadband plans. Availability is more limited than for fixed-line broadband, and speeds depend on your mobile signal strength. Check Ofcom’s social tariff list for current mobile options.
Is the speed fast enough for working from home?
It depends on the tariff. A connection of 30 Mbps or more is generally enough for video calls, cloud applications, and file sharing. If the social tariff on offer is slower than this and you rely on broadband for work, a standard deal with higher speeds may be more appropriate. Use our comparison tool to check what is available at your postcode.
What to do next
If you think you might qualify for a social tariff, start by checking which providers serve your address and comparing their social tariff terms against standard deals. You may find the social tariff saves you a significant amount, or you may discover a standard promotional deal is actually cheaper.
Compare broadband deals at your postcode
For more ways to cut your broadband costs, read our guide to saving money on broadband.
Related guides
Source: Eligibility details and provider participation are based on Ofcom’s social tariff guidance. Individual provider terms may change, always verify directly before applying.