Key takeaways
Broadband social tariffs are reduced-price packages offered by major providers to households receiving certain means-tested benefits. Ofcom oversees the scheme and publishes a comparison of available tariffs.
As of June 2026, providers offering social tariffs include BT, Sky, Virgin Media, KCOM, Vodafone, Now Broadband and SMARTY -- each with different eligibility criteria, speeds and prices.
Most tariffs are available to households receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or other qualifying benefits. The specific list varies by provider.
Prices typically range from 10 to 26 pounds per month for download speeds between 15 Mbps and 67 Mbps -- substantially below standard contract prices.
Applying requires contacting the provider directly. There is no automatic enrolment -- eligible households must request the social tariff.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
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What is a broadband social tariff
A broadband social tariff is a reduced-price broadband package offered by internet service providers to households receiving certain means-tested government benefits. Participation is voluntary -- Ofcom does not legally require providers to offer social tariffs -- but most major UK providers have introduced them following Ofcom pressure and commitments made from 2021 onwards.
Ofcom defines social tariffs as packages with significantly lower prices than comparable standard commercial offers, available specifically to benefit recipients. Ofcom publishes a comparison of available social tariffs at ofcom.org.uk, updated regularly. The most recent update was on 22 June 2026.
Ofcom updated its social tariff comparison page on 22 June 2026. If you are on a qualifying benefit, contacting your provider today to request a social tariff could reduce your broadband bill immediately.
Every broadband social tariff compared -- June 2026
| Provider | Tariff name | Monthly price | Download speed | Key eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | BT Home Essentials | From £15/mo | 36 Mbps avg | Universal Credit, ESA, Income Support, JSA, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit |
| Sky | Sky Broadband Basics | £23/mo | 36 Mbps avg | Universal Credit, ESA (income-related), Income Support, JSA (income-based), Pension Credit |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | £20/mo | 15 Mbps | Universal Credit, ESA, Income Support, JSA, Pension Credit |
| KCOM | Home Essentials | From £14.99/mo | Fibre speeds | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, Income Support (Hull and East Yorkshire only) |
| Vodafone | Essentials Broadband | From £12/mo | 67 Mbps avg | Universal Credit, ESA, Pension Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit |
| Now Broadband | Social tariff | From £15/mo | 36 Mbps avg | Universal Credit, ESA, Pension Credit, Income Support |
| SMARTY | Social tariff SIM | From £15/mo | Mobile 4G/5G | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA |
Prices and availability change. Contact providers directly to confirm current pricing before switching.
Which benefits qualify
Eligibility varies by provider but the most commonly accepted benefits are: Universal Credit (any amount), Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit and in some cases PIP or DLA.
Tax Credits, Child Benefit and contributory (non-means-tested) benefits do not typically qualify. Some providers extend eligibility to households with children receiving free school meals, or to carers receiving Carer's Allowance. Check each provider's specific criteria.
How to apply step by step
Step 1 -- Check your current contract. Most providers allow moves to social tariffs during an existing contract without an exit fee. Ask the provider explicitly.
Step 2 -- Contact the right team. Standard customer services lines may not handle social tariff applications. Most providers have a dedicated social tariff team or a specific application form online.
Step 3 -- Provide proof of benefit entitlement. You will typically need your National Insurance number and a benefit award letter or screenshot from your government benefit account. Some providers verify eligibility directly with DWP.
Step 4 -- Choose your tariff and confirm. Verify the monthly price, average download speed and whether any upfront equipment costs apply. If switching from another provider, your new provider manages the switch via Ofcom's One Touch Switch process.
What you get on a social tariff
Social tariffs typically provide speeds of 15 to 67 Mbps -- adequate for most home use including HD streaming and video calls for a two to three person household. Most do not include landline calls as standard. Equipment (router) is usually provided at no extra cost -- confirm before signing up.
Social tariffs vs standard deals
A standard 36 Mbps broadband contract typically costs 25 to 35 pounds per month after introductory offers expire. A social tariff at 12 to 23 pounds represents a saving of 10 to 20 pounds per month (120 to 240 pounds per year). Some smaller providers offer competitive standard prices that may rival social tariff pricing -- always compare the full-term cost.
How Ofcom regulates social tariffs
Ofcom does not currently mandate that providers offer social tariffs -- participation is voluntary. However, Ofcom has stated it expects providers to offer suitable social tariffs and publishes comparisons to encourage uptake. In early 2024 Ofcom reported approximately 130,000 households were on social tariffs despite an estimated 4.2 million eligible -- significant under-uptake. Ofcom has indicated it will consider whether to mandate social tariffs if voluntary uptake remains low.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice. Telecoms information is sourced from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Always verify current tariffs and eligibility directly with providers and at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a broadband social tariff in the UK?
Most social tariffs require the household to receive at least one of: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Housing Benefit. Some providers also accept PIP or DLA. Tax Credits and Child Benefit do not typically qualify as they are not means-tested in the same way. Check each provider's specific eligibility list.
How do I apply for BT Home Essentials?
Apply online at bt.com/homeessentials or call BT's dedicated team. You need your National Insurance number and proof of benefit entitlement. BT may verify eligibility directly with DWP. BT Home Essentials is available to households receiving Universal Credit, ESA, Income Support, JSA, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
Can I switch to a social tariff if I am mid-contract?
Most providers allow existing customers to switch to a social tariff without paying an early exit fee, even mid-contract. Contact your provider's social tariff team directly and ask explicitly -- do not go through standard customer services as they may not be aware of the process.
Are social tariff broadband speeds fast enough?
Most social tariffs offer 15 to 67 Mbps average download. Ofcom defines a decent connection as at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. A 36 Mbps connection handles HD video streaming, video calls and general browsing for two to three people simultaneously. Households with four or more heavy users or 4K streaming needs may benefit from a faster tier.
What happens if I stop receiving qualifying benefits?
Inform your provider. You will typically move to a standard tariff at the next billing cycle. There is no exit fee for leaving a social tariff, though standard commercial tariffs carry their own contract terms.
Is there a mobile social tariff?
Yes. SMARTY and some other mobile providers offer social tariffs for SIM-only mobile data. Ofcom's social tariff comparison page covers mobile as well as fixed broadband.
How many people are on social tariffs in the UK?
Ofcom reported approximately 130,000 households on social tariffs as of early 2024, against an estimated 4.2 million eligible -- significant under-uptake. Ofcom is monitoring whether voluntary provider participation is sufficient or whether mandatory schemes may be needed.
Do I need to switch provider to get a social tariff?
Not necessarily. If your current provider offers a social tariff you may be able to move to it without switching. If another provider's social tariff is better value, you can switch via Ofcom's One Touch Switch process, which your new provider manages on your behalf.
