Who's eligible for a broadband social tariff?

If you receive one of the following benefits, you may be eligible for a social tariff:

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

If you’re not eligible

If you don’t meet the criteria for a discounted deal, but still want to save money on your broadband, here are some great tips to help you find a cheaper broadband deal.

If your deal is coming to an end, it’s definitely worth searching around to see what else is available. Unfortunately, customer loyalty isn’t quite what it used to be, and new rules have made it so much easier to switch your broadband or your phone contract. You could save £100s a year by switching to a better deal!

By using price comparison sites, you can see a range of broadband offers available for your home. Or, if you’re aware of smaller operators not on these sites, it’s worth contacting them directly and seeing what they can offer you.

Here are some tips on what to consider when you’re looking to change your broadband contract…

• What broadband speed do you need? Generally, the faster the speed, the more expensive a contract will be, so opting for slower speeds may save you money.
• Are you willing to haggle? If you contact your broadband provider directly and say you are thinking about leaving, they may be willing to lower the price to get you to stay with them. According to MoneySavingExpert.com, broadband and phone firms are among the easiest to haggle with.
• Should you talk to your current provider? If you’re struggling to pay your bills, it’s worth contacting your broadband provider as soon as possible. Many companies have schemes to help customers experiencing financial problems.
• What about early exit fees? You may be charged a penalty if you switch your broadband deal before your contract ends. Even if you find a much cheaper deal elsewhere, it’s important to consider any charges you’ll have to pay to switch.
• Can the price go up during your contract? Unfortunately, yes – it is possible for providers to make price changes, even during the contract. This usually happens in line with inflation. However, if your provider hikes their prices and this wasn’t stated in the terms and conditions of your contract, you have the right to leave penalty-free.

How a social tariff could help you

• It's available to those on a variety of benefits. If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
• It's cheaper than a regular package. Current prices range from £10 to £23.
• Fast, unlimited broadband. Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.
• You'll pay next-to-nothing to get set up. If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
• It could cost nothing to switch. If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.
• The price won't go up mid-contract. You won't pay any more than what you agree at the start of the contract.
• It costs nothing to leave. You won't pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.