Vodafone launches cheapest broadband tariff for households on benefits - here's how it compares

Below is how the new tariff will work and how to get it, but for more information on cutting broadband costs, use our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare offers (you can see details of social tariffs in the tool, and we're also working to include all of these tariffs in your comparison results). For further info on how to cut broadband costs, including what to do if you're struggling financially, see our Cheap broadband guide. 

Vodafone Essentials Broadband is free to sign up to and is available to people claiming certain benefits

Vodafone Essentials Broadband is available on a 12-month contract if you're claiming the following support payments:

• Disability allowance 

• Employment and support allowance 

• Job seekers allowance 

• Personal independence payment

• Universal credit 

• Pension credit

You can join without a set-up fee, leave for free at any time and won’t be subject to in-contract price changes. The plan gives access to Vodafone’s Fibre 1 or Full Fibre 1 Essentials Broadband plan for 12 months, providing fast connectivity, with average download speeds of 38Mbps. 

Before your contract ends, Vodafone will contact you to discuss your options. If you're still eligible for the social tariff, your contract will continue. If not, you'll be able to choose from one of the other tariffs Vodafone offers. If you don't opt to keep your social tariff or switch to another deal, your contract cost will increase to £22 a month. 

Existing Vodafone customer? You can transfer to the social tariff if you're eligible

If you're already a Vodafone customer on Fibre 1 or Fibre 2 and are eligible for the cheaper, social tariff, you'll be able to request to switch for free. If you're a current Vodafone customers or aren't yet with Vodafone, then you should submit an application form on Vodafone's website. 

If you’re currently a Vodafone Xtra or Pro customer, you will lose any additional benefits included and you might be charged to leave your plan early, so check with Vodafone first.

Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email and then someone from Vodafone will call you to go through the eligibility process. Vodafone will run a credit check and the sign-up process should take around one week to complete.

Vodafone's social tariff is now the cheapest on the market

As shown in the table below, Vodafone now offers the cheapest social tariff at £12 a month. At a speed of 38Mb, it's likely to be fast enough for most users – but if you do lots of TV streaming on multiple devices, online gaming or just want a faster connection, have a look at some of the other social tariffs below, and use our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare prices in general.