Introduction to Social Tariffs
Every week, the Money Blog team answers financial problems or consumer disputes. A recent question was about a 69-year-old woman who receives a state pension and housing benefit, which is soon to be transferred to Universal Credit. She is looking for cheaper broadband access and wants to know if she is entitled to a social tariff.
Eligibility for Social Tariffs
As she will soon be receiving Universal Credit, she will be eligible for welfare rates with most broadband providers. These rates can be called "essential" or "basic" plans and are available to anyone who receives Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and some other benefits.
Cheapest Broadband Options
The cheapest prices currently available are £12.50 a month from Virgin Media and Community Fiber. Virgin’s 15Mbps fiber deal includes free setup and a rolling 30-day period contract. The Community Fiber contract also offers free setup and a much better speed of 35Mbps, but would lock her in for 12 months.
List of Providers Offering Social Tariffs
A full list of providers offering social tariffs can be found via Ofcom. It is enough to call, however, since she does not have current internet access, she may need help finding contact numbers.
Alternative Routes to Internet Access
If she were to eventually get a smartphone, she might be able to access free data through the National Database. Several phone providers also offer social plans, such as O2 for £10 per month and EE for £12 per month. These would provide an alternative route to internet access, although she may not be able to afford them.
Local Digital Inclusion Hubs
The other avenue worth exploring is a local digital inclusion hub. The National Digital Inclusion Network, run by the Good Things Foundation, is made up of organizations across the UK that provide free internet access to those who are digitally excluded. Often these organizations also offer free digital skills courses or even devices, so it’s worth taking a look.
Additional Information
It’s also important to note that BT and KCOM offer cheaper voice-only landline tariffs to eligible households, so it’s worth checking those options as well.
