How to switch to a broadband social tariff

Broadband social tariffs available across the UK

Prices and speeds as listed by Ofcom (page last updated 2 October 2026, checked by us 30 October 2026). Confirm the current price and eligibility on the provider's own website before you apply.

Prices are advertised rates from each provider's own page on the date we checked, not live quotes. Clicking a name takes you to the provider.

Who can get a social tariff?

Ofcom says that if anyone in your household claims Universal Credit, you can switch to any of the social tariffs available. All major providers also accept Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support, and some also accept Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.

The person who receives the benefit usually needs to be the main name on the broadband contract. If you are not sure whether you get Pension Credit, check on GOV.UK first. Many people who qualify have never claimed it.

Step-by-step: switching to a social tariff

1. Find your latest bill. Note your provider, what you pay each month and whether you are still in contract.

2. Check whether your current provider has a social tariff. Use the table above, or the full list below for regional providers. Ofcom says you can move to your own provider's social tariff at any time, free of charge.

3. If your provider doesn't offer one, or another is cheaper or faster at your address, choose a new provider. Check it covers your home by entering your postcode on its website.

4. Apply online or by phone. Have your National Insurance number ready. Most providers check your benefits with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with your permission, or ask to see a benefit letter.

5. Let the new provider handle the switch. Under One Touch Switch, the new provider contacts your old one and arranges the changeover, so you don't need to ring your old provider to cancel. Ask whether your current contract has an exit fee before you agree to switch. Ofcom says providers might let you leave without one.

6. Keep your landline number if you need it. Tell the new provider you want to keep your number, and if you have a care alarm, tell both providers before the switch date.

Questions to ask before you agree

What is the monthly price, and will it go up during the contract? Ofcom says social tariff prices won't rise beyond what you agreed at the start.

Is there a setup fee? Any setup costs should be small, and the provider should tell you before you sign up.

Can I leave early without paying? Ofcom says you won't pay a fee to leave a social tariff before the contract ends.

Are home phone calls included? Some social tariffs are broadband-only, and calls cost extra.

Regional and full-fibre social tariffs

Several smaller networks also offer social tariffs in their own areas. Ofcom lists these, among others: Community Fibre Essential (London, £12.50), Hyperoptic Fair Fibre (from £12, England, Scotland and Wales), KCOM Full Fibre Flex (Hull, £14.99), Fibrus Full Fibre Essential (Northern Ireland and Cumbria, £14.99), G.Network Essential Fibre (London, £15), toob essentials (parts of the south of England, £15), YouFibre Social Tariff (various locations, £16.99), Hey!Broadband Everyday Fibre (South East England, £19), Truespeed Basic (South West England, £20) and Wildanet Helping Hand (Cornwall and Devon, £20).

Coverage can be patchy even inside these areas, so check your exact address on the provider's own website.

Mobile social tariffs

If you mainly go online through your phone, a mobile social tariff may be enough. Ofcom lists O2 Essential Plan and VOXI For Now at £10 a month, and EE Basics and SMARTY Social Tariff at £12 a month. Our guide to cheap SIM-only deals for over-60s compares these with low-cost ordinary plans.

If you are refused or something goes wrong

Ask the provider to explain in writing why you were refused. If you still disagree after eight weeks, or the provider says it can't help, you can take your complaint to the independent ombudsman that every provider must belong to. The ombudsman's service is free.

If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact your provider straight away. Ofcom expects providers to help customers who are finding it hard to pay.

Official sources

• Ofcom: social tariffs – list of cheaper broadband and phone packages
• Ofcom: switching broadband provider
• GOV.UK: Pension Credit
• Virgin Media Essential Broadband
• BT Home Essentials
• Sky social tariff
• Vodafone Essentials Broadband