An estimated four million households are not claiming a social broadband tariff from their internet provider that could see monthly bills reduced to as little as £12 per month. Broadband and mobile phone packages are going up this month by at least 14 per cent for millions of customers, but a new comparison tool from MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE.com) could help them 'lock in' a long-term cheaper deal.
Announcing the new online tool in the latest edition of the weekly MSE.com newsletter, the money experts said the broadband checker can also show side-by-side comparisons between standard tariffs and social tariffs, which could help those on certain benefits bring their monthly bills down.
While Universal Credit is the main benefit that triggers acceptance on to a social tariff, people on Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Reduced Earnings Allowance could also qualify - that’s the eligibility list for the £12 Vodafone Essentials Broadband package.
The top two picks from MSE.com for a social broadband tariff are:
- Vodafone - £12 per month for 38MB fibre broadband and landline
- BT - £20 per month for 67Mb fibre broadband and landline. This has a £9.99 upfront fee
More details on the best deals can be found on MSE.com here and the comparison tool, here - just enter your postcode to see the best deals available in your area.
The latest figures from Ofcom show that just 136,000 households on Universal Credit who are entitled to the discounted deals have taken them up.
A new system put in place last year makes it quicker for broadband providers' to check eligibility by accessing a special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) IT system - with the claimant's permission.
Benefits that the DWP’s 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
Social tariff broadband packages
People in receipt of benefits interested in exploring broadband or mobile tariff options can find a full list on Ofcom’s website here.
Here are 10 to give you an idea of monthly costs, speeds available and eligibility. It’s important to note that each company has its own list of eligible benefits, but all include Universal Credit.
Social tariff broadband deals
BT Home Essentials
- Monthly cost: £15
- Average broadband speed: around 36mbps
- Eligibility: various benefits (in and out of work)
BT Home Essentials 2
- Monthly cost: £20
- Average broadband speed: around 67mbps
- Eligibility: various benefits (in and out of work)
EE Basic
- Monthly cost: £12
- Average broadband speed: up to 25Mbps
- Eligibility: various benefits (in and out of work)
Lothian Broadband Social Tariff
- Monthly cost: £19.99
- Average broadband speed: 100 Mbps
- Eligibility: open to all
Sky Broadband Basics
- Monthly cost: £20
- Average broadband speed: 36Mbps
- Eligibility: Universal Credit or Pension Credit
NOW Broadband Basics
- Monthly cost: £20
- Average broadband speed: 36Mbps
- Eligibility: Universal Credit or Pension Credit
Virgin Media Essential Broadband
- Monthly cost: £12.50
- Average broadband speed: 15Mbps
- Eligibility: Universal Credit
Virgin Media Essential Broadband Plus
- Monthly cost: £20
- Average broadband speed: 54Mbps
- Eligibility: Universal Credit
Vodafone Essentials Broadband
- Monthly cost: £12
- Average broadband speed: 36Mbps
- Eligibility: various benefits (in and out of work)
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
READ NEXT
- DWP confirms date £301 cost of living payments for 8m households due to start this month
New £301 cost of living payment rules could see more people due cash help this Spring
New cost of living payment warning to people due money over next few months
Carer's Allowance claimants might not qualify directly for new £301 cost of living payment
DWP urges people on State Pension to check eligibility online for £3,500 annual top-up
