A social tariff is a cheaper broadband package for people on certain benefits. Ofcom estimates they save around £200 a year, yet in June 2025 only 532,000 households were on one: about 8.6% of those who could be.
Who can get one
Ofcom says you're usually eligible if you get:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
Some providers also accept Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance. The person getting the benefit usually needs to be the account holder. If you already get broadband from a provider with a social tariff, you can usually move to it without paying an exit fee.
Social tariffs from the bigger providers
| Provider | Tariff | Price a month | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT | Home Essentials No Income | £16.50 | 36Mbps |
| BT | Home Essentials | £22 or £25 | 36Mbps or 67Mbps |
| Sky | Broadband Basics | £20 or £24 | 35Mbps or 75Mbps |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | £12.50 or £20 | 15Mbps or 54Mbps |
| Vodafone | Fibre 2 Essentials | £20 | 80Mbps |
| NOW | Broadband Basics | £20 | 36Mbps |
| Hyperoptic | Fair Fibre | £12 to £20 | 50Mbps to 1Gbps |
| YouFibre | Social Tariff | £16.99 | 50Mbps |
| Community Fibre | Essential | £12.50 | 35Mbps (London) |
From Ofcom's list, updated 2 October 2026. BT's No Income tariff is for Universal Credit claimants with no earnings.
In Scotland
Most of the national providers above sell their social tariffs in Scotland. Hyperoptic's Fair Fibre is available in its Edinburgh and Glasgow buildings. Ofcom's list also includes Highland Broadband (£23.99 a month, 100Mbps) and FibreNest (£14.50, 36Mbps). thinkbroadband's survey lists a GoFibre social tariff at £20 for 30Mbps, which isn't on Ofcom's list, so check eligibility directly.
Providers without one
TalkTalk, EE, Plusnet, Zen and Utility Warehouse had no broadband social tariff on Ofcom's list in October 2026. (EE's "Basics" plan on the list is a mobile plan.)
How to apply
- Check your postcode to see what speeds you can get.
- Pick a tariff from a provider that covers your address.
- Apply online or by phone. Many providers can confirm your benefits with the Department for Work and Pensions at sign-up, so you may not need to send any letters.
Ofcom says social tariff prices don't go up during the contract, and many have short contracts. Check the terms before you sign.