Last reviewed: 25 September 2026
If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get broadband for less than the standard price. Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages offered by participating providers to eligible customers.
As of 2026, social tariffs typically cost between £10 and £24 a month, with most offering unlimited broadband and speeds of at least 30Mbps. They also come with protections that standard broadband contracts may not offer, including no mid-contract price rises and no charge to leave the social tariff.
Eligibility, prices and speeds vary between providers, and not every provider offers a social tariff. This guide explains who could qualify, which providers offer social tariffs, what they currently cost and what to do if your current provider does not offer one.
What is a social tariff?
A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or phone package designed for people on certain benefits or lower incomes.
Social tariffs are offered voluntarily by broadband providers rather than being a government-set price. They are generally cheaper than the provider's standard broadband packages, while providing the same type of connection as its normal services.
Most fixed broadband social tariffs offer unlimited data, and Ofcom says most currently offer superfast broadband speeds of more than 30Mbps. This means a social tariff does not necessarily mean you have to accept a slow connection.
Social tariffs also have some important protections:
- No mid-contract price rises
- No charge to switch to a social tariff offered by your existing provider
- No fee to leave the social tariff
- Minimal set-up costs
These protections can make a social tariff particularly useful if you are trying to keep your monthly household bills predictable.
Who can get a social tariff?
Eligibility depends on the provider and package, but social tariffs are generally aimed at people receiving certain benefits or who are on a low income.
Benefits that may qualify you can include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
Some providers also include Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, though this is less universal than the benefits above, so check the specific tariff. The exact qualifying benefits and requirements vary, so receiving one of these benefits does not automatically mean that every social tariff will be available to you. Some providers may ask for information to confirm your eligibility before you can sign up.
What do social tariffs currently cost?
Prices and providers change, so always check current options directly, but as a guide, Ofcom's own current listing shows a range roughly from £10 to £24 a month. Examples include:
A number of smaller, regional full-fibre providers also offer social tariffs, sometimes at faster speeds for a similar or lower price, but availability depends heavily on your address. Ofcom's own tariff checker lets you search by postcode to see exactly what applies to you.
Check Ofcom's current social tariff list by postcode
How do you apply for a social tariff?
Once you have found a social tariff you may qualify for, you normally apply directly through the provider. You may need to provide information about the benefit you receive or give the provider permission to check your eligibility. The exact process differs between providers.
Before applying, confirm that the tariff is available at your address and that you meet the provider's eligibility requirements.
What if your provider does not offer a social tariff?
Not every broadband provider offers a social tariff. If your current provider does not have one, you may be able to switch to another provider that does, provided the package is available at your address and you meet its eligibility requirements. You do not necessarily need to stay with your current provider because you are receiving benefits.
Can you get a social tariff if you have bad credit?
Being eligible for a social tariff does not automatically mean you will be accepted without any checks. Providers have their own application and eligibility processes. If you are specifically looking for broadband because of your credit history, see our guide to getting broadband with no credit check for information on alternative payment arrangements and credit checks.
What if you already have broadband?
If your current provider offers a social tariff and you meet its eligibility requirements,you can switch to it without paying a charge to move onto the tariff. You do not necessarily have to wait until your existing minimum term ends.
The first thing to do is contact your current provider and ask whether it offers a social tariff and whether you qualify.
If it does not offer one, you can look at another provider. However, check the position before cancelling your current contract. If you move to a different provider, your existing provider may have different rules around leaving your current contract. Ofcom says some providers may allow eligible customers to leave their existing contract without paying a penalty when moving to a social tariff.
What if you cannot get a social tariff?
If you do not qualify for a social tariff, or there is no suitable tariff available at your address, you still have other ways to reduce your broadband costs.
1. Check whether you are out of contract
If your minimum term has ended, you may be paying more than you need to. Ofcom recommends checking your contract status and shopping around if you are out of contract.
2. Check whether you need the speed you are paying for
You may not need the fastest package available. If you mainly browse the internet, use social media, stream occasionally and have one or two people using the connection, a cheaper speed may be sufficient.
3. Check for other providers at your address
A smaller provider may offer a cheaper package than the major providers, particularly if a regional full-fibre network operates in your area.
4. Speak to your current provider
If you are struggling to afford your broadband, tell your provider. They may be able to discuss cheaper packages or other options with you.
Compare your broadband options
If there is no suitable social tariff available, you can still check what broadband deals are available at your address.
An address check can show which providers and packages are available to you, but availability does not guarantee that you will meet a provider's eligibility requirements.
Check broadband options at your address
Frequently asked questions
A social tariff may be one of the cheapest options if you meet the eligibility requirements. Prices and packages vary, so check the current options available from providers.
You may qualify for a social tariff if you receive Universal Credit, depending on the provider's requirements. Check the individual tariff before applying.
You may qualify for some social tariffs if you receive Pension Credit. Eligibility varies between providers.
No. Social tariffs are offered by participating providers, and not every provider has one. Ofcom's current information can help you identify the providers offering them.
Yes, potentially. Check whether your current provider offers one first. If not, you can look at other providers, but check your existing contract for any early termination charges before switching.
This depends on the provider and tariff. Check the terms of your social tariff and tell your provider if your circumstances change.
Possibly, but being eligible for a social tariff does not automatically mean that no credit or eligibility checks will be carried out. See our broadband with no credit check guide for alternative options.
Compare broadband deals
We find deals from all the top providers and help you switch.