Broadband social tariff comparison
Compare social tariffs, prices and speeds
Last checked: Ofcom source list updated
Compare current Ofcom-listed broadband social tariffs from BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Hyperoptic and other UK providers, then check which options fit your benefit eligibility and address.
Start with the provider table, then check Universal Credit eligibility, availability, speed and how to apply.
Quick answer
Broadband social tariffs at a glance
Broadband social tariffs are lower-cost home broadband packages for people receiving Universal Credit and certain other benefits. They use normal broadband networks but are designed to make an essential home connection more affordable.
Compare price, speed and coverage below, then check the provider’s current eligibility rules before applying.
Current Ofcom snapshot: fixed-broadband tariffs in the list below run from £12 to £25 a month, with speeds from 15 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s. Coverage and eligibility still vary by provider and address.
Source: Ofcom social tariffs, last updated .
Universal Credit broadband
Can I get a broadband social tariff on Universal Credit?
Yes. Ofcom says Universal Credit can qualify for any social tariff in its current list, subject to provider coverage and verification. The benefit recipient normally needs to be the main person on the broadband contract.
Two provider-specific notes: Ofcom says BT Home Essentials No Income is for Universal Credit recipients with zero income, while Wildanet’s current eligibility page names Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for a broadband social tariff?
Universal Credit is the broadest route: Ofcom says a Universal Credit claimant could switch to any tariff in its current list. Major providers also include Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support, while some providers accept additional benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.
Critical eligibility check: Ofcom says the person receiving the qualifying benefit needs to be the main person on the broadband contract. If the account is currently in a partner’s or relative’s name, contact the provider before applying and ask how it wants the account and benefit details verified.
- Commonly accepted: Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
- Often included: Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.
- Sometimes included: Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or other provider-specific support categories.
What if you stop claiming benefits? There is no single industry-wide process. Providers can review eligibility at different points and their post-eligibility options differ. Check when your provider re-verifies entitlement, what price applies if you no longer qualify, and whether you can leave or switch before any standard-price package begins.
Social tariff vs standard deal
Is a social tariff better than a standard broadband deal?
A social tariff is built around predictable pricing and flexibility rather than promotional extras. Compare the full cost and the speed you actually need, not just the first-month headline.
Lower cost
These packages are built to reduce monthly broadband bills for eligible households.
Everyday speeds
Many social tariffs are fast enough for browsing, video calls, streaming and online homework.
Flexible switching
If your provider offers a social tariff, you can often move to it free of charge.
No exit fee from the tariff
Ofcom says you should not pay a fee to leave a social tariff before the end of the contract.
Frozen prices: Unlike standard broadband contracts that often increase every spring, social tariffs are designed to avoid annual mid-contract price rises. The price you sign up for should stay locked for the tariff term, making it easier to budget.
What to compare
Do not look at price alone
A low price matters, but the best social tariff for your household also depends on speed, coverage and the provider’s switching rules. Some tariffs are basic but perfectly suitable for everyday use, while others are much faster and better suited to several people sharing the connection.
| What to check | Why it matters | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Lower cost is the main reason most households consider a social tariff. | Compare the monthly price with what you pay now and how long you expect to stay on the package. |
| Speed | Some packages are entry-level, while others offer superfast broadband. | Think about how many people use the connection and whether you stream, work from home or make video calls. |
| Coverage | Not every provider covers every address. | Check availability before applying so you do not waste time comparing packages you cannot order. |
| Switching rules | Your current provider may let you move to its social tariff for free, but not every provider handles it in the same way. | Ask whether you can move within contract, whether any setup fee applies and how long activation will take. |
| Equipment and setup | Some providers supply a new router or ask you to keep existing equipment. | Check whether you need to return equipment if you later leave or upgrade. |
How to switch
How to apply for a social tariff
The simplest route is to check whether your current broadband provider already offers a social tariff. If it does, you may be able to switch without changing provider. If it does not, you can compare other providers and see whether switching could save more money.
Verification tip: providers use different eligibility checks. Some verify benefit status electronically with your consent, but the personal details they request vary by provider. Apply through the provider’s official website or customer-service channel and follow its exact verification instructions.
Useful next step: if you are already overpaying on a standard deal, simply Read our comprehensive Out of Contract Broadband Guide and compare it with the social tariff option before you decide.
Check your next best move
Use the tools below to check availability, estimate what speed your household needs and compare whether staying put or switching gives you the better outcome.
Broadband social tariffs FAQs
Can I switch to a broadband social tariff mid-contract?
If your current provider offers a social tariff and you qualify, Ofcom says you can switch to it at any time free of charge. If you want to leave your current provider for a different company’s social tariff, your existing minimum-term contract can still carry an early termination charge unless that provider waives it or another right to exit applies.
What is a broadband social tariff?
A broadband social tariff is a lower-cost broadband package for eligible households receiving certain benefits. It is still a normal broadband service, but it is priced more affordably than many standard packages.
Who can get a broadband social tariff?
Eligibility depends on the provider. Universal Credit can qualify for any tariff in Ofcom’s current list, while many providers also accept Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits. The benefit recipient normally needs to be the main person on the broadband contract.
Are broadband social tariffs slower than normal broadband?
Some are lower-speed packages, but many are suitable for everyday households. Ofcom says most social tariffs offer speeds over 30 Mbit/s.
Can the price rise during the contract?
Ofcom says social tariff prices should not go up mid-contract, which helps make monthly costs easier to budget for.
What happens if I stop claiming benefits?
There is no single industry-wide process. Providers can review eligibility at different points and their post-eligibility options differ. Check when your provider re-verifies entitlement, what price applies if you no longer qualify, and whether you can leave or switch before any standard-price package begins.
Do I pay a fee to leave a social tariff?
No. Ofcom says you should not pay a fee to leave a social tariff before the end of the contract.
Which providers offer broadband social tariffs?
Ofcom’s current list includes BT, NOW, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, YouFibre and a range of regional fibre providers. Exact availability depends on your address.
Current provider comparison
Which broadband social tariff is the cheapest?
Among fixed home broadband tariffs in Ofcom’s current list, Hyperoptic Fair Fibre Fast is £12 a month. Community Fibre Essential and Virgin Media Essential Broadband are £12.50 a month. Availability and eligibility vary.
Compare monthly price, advertised average speed and geographic availability, then check the provider’s exact address coverage and eligibility rules.
Pricing source: Ofcom’s fixed-broadband social tariff list, updated .
32 tariffs shown.
Universal Credit can qualify for any tariff in Ofcom’s current list. Pension Credit, PIP and Attendance Allowance filters only show providers whose current official eligibility information explicitly names that benefit; other providers may have additional qualifying routes.
Important: providers may not cover every property in the regions shown. Prices and speeds are taken from Ofcom’s published list and should be checked on the provider’s official site before applying. Mobile-only social tariffs are not included in this home-broadband comparison.