- Social tariffs offer lower-cost broadband to people receiving certain qualifying benefits.
- Universal Credit is a common qualifying benefit, with others accepted depending on the provider.
- Applying for a social tariff is done directly with a provider that offers one.
- Ofcom monitors social tariff take-up and encourages providers to promote them.
- Other support, such as the Gigabit Voucher in rural areas and digital inclusion schemes, may also help.
If you are on benefits, a social tariff can offer lower-cost broadband. Universal Credit and certain other benefits qualify, you apply directly with a provider, and Ofcom encourages take-up of these packages.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Broadband support for those on benefits
For people on benefits or lower incomes, the cost of broadband can be a real concern, yet connectivity is increasingly essential for managing benefits, accessing services, finding work, education and staying in touch. Recognising this, several forms of support exist to help make broadband affordable. The most important is the social tariff, a lower-cost package for people on qualifying benefits, but other support, including help in rural areas and digital inclusion initiatives, can also be relevant. Understanding what is available, and how to access it, helps those on benefits get a connection they can afford.
The key message is that affordable options exist, and many who are eligible do not currently claim them. Checking eligibility for support is therefore a worthwhile step for anyone on benefits who finds broadband costs a burden.
Social tariffs and qualifying benefits
The main form of broadband help for those on benefits is the social tariff, a genuine broadband package offered at a reduced price to people receiving certain qualifying benefits. Universal Credit is a common qualifying benefit, and a range of others can also qualify depending on the provider's scheme, such as certain income-related, disability-related and pension-related benefits. Because the specific benefits accepted vary between providers, anyone on a benefit should check which social tariffs they are eligible for. The social tariff can significantly reduce the monthly cost compared with a standard package, making connectivity affordable.
| Support | Who it helps | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| Social tariff | Those on qualifying benefits | Reduced-price broadband |
| Gigabit Voucher Scheme | Rural premises | Subsidy towards a new connection |
| Universal Service Obligation | Where no decent connection exists | Right to request a connection |
| Digital inclusion support | Those facing wider barriers | Skills, devices and guidance |
How to apply for a social tariff
Applying for a social tariff is done directly with a provider that offers one. The process involves contacting the provider, confirming eligibility by reference to the qualifying benefit, and signing up to the social tariff. Some schemes verify benefit status to speed up the process. Because social tariffs are offered by individual providers rather than through a single central scheme, it is worth comparing what different providers offer and checking which accept the particular benefit received. Once eligibility is confirmed, the application is generally straightforward, and the household moves onto the lower-cost package.
Free broadband for Universal Credit claimants
A common question is whether broadband is free for Universal Credit claimants. While genuinely free ongoing broadband is rare, Universal Credit is a common qualifying benefit for social tariffs, which provide a significantly reduced price rather than a free service. For a Universal Credit claimant, the social tariff is usually the most relevant form of help, offering affordable broadband at a much lower cost than a standard package. Checking the social tariffs available to Universal Credit claimants, and applying with a provider that offers one, is the practical route to affordable broadband for those on this benefit.
Help in rural areas
For those on benefits in rural areas where broadband is unavailable or very slow, additional help may be relevant alongside a social tariff. The Gigabit Voucher Scheme can subsidise the cost of building a new connection in eligible rural areas, often used by groups of premises together, and the broadband Universal Service Obligation provides a right to request a decent connection where none is available. These address the availability of a connection, while a social tariff addresses its affordability, so a rural household on benefits may benefit from considering both the availability and the affordability support available to it.
Digital inclusion support
Beyond social tariffs and rural schemes, broader digital inclusion efforts aim to help people get online, which can include support for those on benefits. These efforts, involving government, charities and other organisations, can include help with skills, access to devices, and guidance on getting connected affordably. While the specifics vary, digital inclusion support recognises that affordability is only part of the picture, and that some people also need help with skills and devices. For those on benefits facing barriers beyond cost, exploring local and national digital inclusion support can provide additional help to get and stay online.
What if your provider does not offer a social tariff
Not every provider offers a social tariff, so a household on benefits whose current provider does not may need to consider switching to one that does. Because eligibility is based on the qualifying benefit rather than being tied to a current provider, an eligible household can usually move to a provider offering a suitable social tariff. Where switching, the usual switching process and any contract considerations apply, though being on benefits and eligible for a social tariff can be a strong reason to move. Checking which providers offer social tariffs that accept the household's benefit is the starting point.
Making sure you do not miss out
A persistent issue is that take-up of social tariffs has been much lower than the number of eligible households, meaning many on benefits pay more than they need to. Ofcom monitors take-up and encourages providers to promote social tariffs, but awareness remains a barrier. For anyone on a qualifying benefit, the single most valuable step is to check eligibility for a social tariff and apply if eligible, as this can substantially reduce the cost of broadband. Spreading awareness of this support among those who might benefit helps ensure the help available reaches the households it is intended for.
Accessing affordable broadband on benefits
In summary, those on benefits have meaningful broadband support available, chiefly through social tariffs, the lower-cost packages for people on qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, applied for directly with a provider. In rural areas, the Gigabit Voucher Scheme and Universal Service Obligation address availability, while digital inclusion support can help with skills and devices. Checking eligibility for a social tariff, and switching to a provider that offers one if needed, is the key step to affordable broadband, ensuring those on benefits do not miss out on the help available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits qualify for cheap broadband?
Social tariffs are available to people on certain qualifying benefits. Universal Credit is a common one, and a range of others can qualify depending on the provider, such as certain income-related, disability-related and pension-related benefits. Because the specific benefits accepted vary between providers, it is worth checking which social tariffs a household is eligible for.
How do I apply for a social tariff broadband deal?
Applying is done directly with a provider that offers a social tariff. Contact the provider, confirm eligibility by reference to the qualifying benefit, and sign up. Some schemes verify benefit status to speed up the process. Comparing what different providers offer, and which accept the particular benefit received, helps find the right option.
Is there free broadband for Universal Credit claimants?
Genuinely free ongoing broadband is rare, but Universal Credit is a common qualifying benefit for social tariffs, which provide a significantly reduced price rather than a free service. For a Universal Credit claimant, the social tariff is usually the most relevant help, offering affordable broadband at a much lower cost than a standard package.
What if my ISP does not offer a social tariff?
Not every provider offers a social tariff, so an eligible household whose provider does not may need to switch to one that does. Because eligibility is based on the qualifying benefit rather than the current provider, an eligible household can usually move to a provider offering a suitable social tariff, applying the usual switching process and any contract considerations.
Can I get broadband help if I am on ESA?
Certain disability-related and income-related benefits can qualify for social tariffs depending on the provider's scheme, so a household receiving such a benefit may be eligible. Because the accepted benefits vary between providers, anyone on a benefit should check which social tariffs they qualify for, as eligibility and the benefits accepted differ from one scheme to another.
Why do so many eligible households miss out on support?
Take-up of social tariffs has been much lower than the number of eligible households, often because many are unaware that social tariffs exist or that they qualify. Ofcom monitors take-up and encourages providers to promote them, but awareness remains a barrier, so checking eligibility and spreading awareness helps ensure the help reaches those it is intended for.
