As broadband customers are subjected to further price hikes this month, the cost of living crisis continues to make basic internet access and home entertainment even more expensive.
The latest price hikes have seen customer bills increase by as much as 15 per cent mid-contract as providers combat rising business costs and an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation.
For some households, the constant battle to keep on top of ever-increasing prices may be proving too much. But even with so many households struggling to make ends meet, only a small number of BT customers are eligible for the reduced-price package. Here's why
READ MORE: Virgin has slashed one of its most popular broadband packages to £12.50 ahead of price hikes
The BT Essentials plan is what is known as a 'social tariff' designed to offer essential broadband access to customers in receipt of financial assistance.
The cut-price service is only available to customers on Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.
The telecoms provider recognises that the internet is a vital service that allows families in financial hardship to keep in touch, claim benefits, find a job and access healthcare advice and local services.
The £15 a month Home Essentials plan offers average speeds of 36Mbps and includes 700 minutes a month of talk time to all UK landlines and mobiles.
Offering a saving of £11.99 on BT's standard Full Fibre Essential deal which usually costs £26.99, customers in receipt of government assistance can also avoid the pressure of meeting long-term contract commitments, as there are no early exit fees if customers wish to cancel.
How to get BT's £15 Essentials Plan
Both new and existing BT customers can apply for the reduced-price broadband package.
Customers should enter their postcode here to see which Home Essentials plans are available in their area and continue to checkout. BT will then run an online eligibility check based on customers' qualifying benefit status and National Insurance number.
Customers will then receive an instant response and, if eligible, will be able to complete their Home Essentials order straightaway.
Other providers including Virgin Media and Vodafone offer discounted rates for customers on benefits, but according to the latest research from Ofcom as little as five per cent of UK homes that fit the criteria for the social tariffs have actually signed up for them.
Sky also offers assistance for customers who receive financial assistance.
BT customers struggling to meet their monthly payment commitments on any of their broadband plans should get in touch with the provider to see what help is available to them.
READ NEXT:
