
Broadband for low income families
Broadband is now a key utility for many, but according to regulator Ofcom, one million households are struggling to pay their broadband bill. There are special discounted social tariffs available to help, but millions who eligible are missing out. Check below to see what firms are offering and if you qualify.
Can I get free broadband?

Currently free broadband isn't generally available in the UK. But jobseekers on universal credit who don't have broadband already may be able to get six months' worth of free broadband from TalkTalk under a partnership with Jobcentre Plus. It's technically not a 'social tariff', but it's free fibre broadband (average 38Mb speed, no phone line) and there's no contract, so there's no obligation to continue after the six months is up.
Supplier-by-supplier list of discounted tariffs for those on certain benefits
11 providers currently offer discounted 'social tariffs' for those on universal credit and similar benefits. But the regulator Ofcom says more than four million people eligible for them aren't taking them up, missing out on savings averaging £144/year.
We've added a full list of top discounted social broadband tariffs to our broadband comparison tool, but below is a round-up of all the social tariffs currently on offer and full eligibility criteria. They're all available to new and existing customers.
Broadband providers offering social tariffs
Provider and tariff |
Monthly price |
Speed |
Eligibility (in receipt of the following benefits) | How to get it |
Air Broadband Air Support | £20 | 100Mb | - No set list; contact Air Broadband directly to check if you're eligible | Call 01223 606 828 or email support@airbroadband.co.uk. You'll need to provide a proof of benefits letter (or equivalent) |
£15 + one-off £9.99 fee | 36Mb | - Employment and support allowance (income-based) - Guarantee credit element of pension credit - Income support - Jobseeker's allowance (income-based) - Universal credit |
Apply online at BT or in store. You'll need to provide your National Insurance number | |
£20 + one-off £9.99 fee | 67Mb | |||
Country Connect Social Tariff | £15 | 50Mb | - Employment and support allowance (income-based) - Guarantee credit element of pension credit - Income support - Jobseeker's allowance (income-based) - Universal credit |
Call 0163 353 0519. You'll need to provide your National Insurance number |
G Network Essential Fibre (London only) | £15 | 50Mb | - Employment and support allowance (income-based) - Guarantee credit element of pension credit - Income support - Jobseeker's allowance (income-based) - Universal credit |
Call 0808 196 3661 or email essentialfibre@g.network. You'll need to provide evidence of your benefits |
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre | £15 | 50Mb | - Attendance allowance - Care leavers support - Employment and support allowance (income-based) - Housing benefit - Income support - Jobseeker's allowance (income-based) - Pension credit - Personal independence payment - Universal credit |
Call 0203 318 3209 or email support@hyperoptic.com. You'll need to provide evidence of your benefits |
£25 | 150Mb | |||
KCOM Full Fibre Flex (East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire only) | £14.99 | 30Mb | - Attendance allowance - Care leavers - Employment and support allowance (income-based) - Housing benefit - Income support - Jobseeker's allowance - Pension credit - Personal independence payment - Universal credit (and out of work) |
Apply online (enter your postcode then click the 'Flex options available' link). You'll need to provide evidence of your benefits |
Now Broadband Basics (existing Now broadband customers only) | £20 | 36Mb | - Pension credit - Universal credit |
Call 0333 759 5056. You'll need to provide evidence of your benefits |
Sky Broadband Basics (existing Sky broadband customers only) | £20 for 18 months (ii)
|
36Mb | - Pension credit - Universal credit |
Call 0333 759 3881. You'll need to provide your National Insurance number |
Virgin Media Essential | £12.50 | 15Mb | - Universal credit | Existing customers: Fill in online form New customers: Apply online You'll need to provide a screenshot of your online universal credit account |
£20 | 50Mb | 50Mb plan expected to launch in November - can't apply yet | ||
Vodafone Essentials Broadband | £12 | 38Mb | - Disability allowance - Employment and support allowance - Personal independence payment - Pension credit |
Complete this online form. |
TalkTalk | Free for 6mths (iii) | 38Mb | - Jobseekers on universal credit who don't have an internet connection | Job centre staff will determine eligibility |
(i) BT also offers a landline only package for people on benefits for £10/mth. (ii) At the end of the 18 months your contract will revert to a standard rate, but you can call and cancel penalty-free beforehand. (iii) At the end of the 6mths you can either choose to take out a new contract with TalkTalk or end the service penalty-free.
How do social tariffs compare to regular deals?
Once you've seen what's available above, you can do a broadband comparison via our Broadband Unbundled tool to see what wins for you.
These social tariffs have consistently low costs, so are - for most who qualify - unbeatable price-wise if you want to stick with one provider for a number of years. Though if you're a regular switcher you will be able to undercut them by riding the top deals for the switching incentives and changing every year or two.
What to do if you're struggling to pay your bill
It's worth speaking to your broadband provider as soon as possible if you're going to have trouble paying your monthly bill. Some of the large providers have schemes in place to help customers who've encountered financial problems.
A number of providers, including BT, Sky and Vodafone, have told us they'll help those who are struggling to pay their bills. They haven't given us specifics about what help they'll provide, but they've asked anyone affected to contact them as soon as possible to discuss their options.
This follows regulator Ofcom telling firms they must do all they can to keep people's broadband running.
Ofcom told us: "Providers should only commence debt collection activities after a sufficient period of time (for example, at least three months) to allow consumers to get help and only disconnect consumers as a last resort. We have called on providers to revisit their debt and disconnection practices, to ensure sufficient support is offered to customers who may be struggling to pay their bills."
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