As of next week, it will be easier for UK households to access broadband for cheaper. Most of Britain's larger Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are already offering cheaper discounts for families in receipt of benefits like Universal Credit - but many aren't taking advantage of the deals.
Recent statistics show that just 1.2 per cent of eligible parties have taken up ISPs on cut-price packages. Confusion surrounding eligibility and the hassle of proving that benefits are being claimed are just a few reasons why people aren't taking up more affordable plans.
That's all about to change however, with a new Department for Work and Pensions scheme coming into play next week - which allows ISPs to do all of the intricate groundwork for customers across the UK. From Monday August 22, the only thing a UK broadband consumer must do is tell their ISP that they wish to be considered for a reduced-price plan, with the provider then verifying whether or not the customer is in receipt of a suitable benefit.
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The new system will also allow the process to become simplified, by removing the need to customers to provide proof of entitlement as regularly as every month, reports the Express. Some significant savings can be had with major firms like BT, Sky and Virgin Media - who offer plans from as little as £15 per month.
This is far cheaper than the standard tariffs which usually start in the ball park of £25 per month. Speaking about the changes, Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries, said: "Social tariffs are vital for families struggling with bills, keeping them connected even in tough times.
"Our discussion with broadband companies led to the range of social tariffs on the market today and we've secured a raft of new cost-of-living commitments from them to ensure help is available for anyone that needs it. I urge anyone concerned about falling behind on payments to contact their supplier to see what support is available."
Here's what you could be paying if you are eligible:
- BT Home Essentials: £15 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- Virgin Media Essentials: £15 a month - 15Mbps speeds
- Sky Basics: £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- NOW Basics: £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- Hyperoptic Fair Fibre: £15 a month - 50Mbps speeds
The benefits that the DWP’s new system will be able to verify entitlement for are:
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-Related Employment Support Allowance
If you claim any of the benefits above you should be able to slash your broadband bills and things should get much easier to apply from next week.
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