With the cost of living still climbing, many local households are searching for ways to cut back on monthly bills. One area that’s often overlooked is your phone and internet. If you rely on broadband and a mobile phone to stay connected (as most of us do), you might be eligible for a social tariff – a special discounted rate designed to help people on lower incomes.

What is a social tariff?

A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or mobile phone package for people receiving certain benefits. Unlike regular deals, these discounted rates are protected:

• Prices don’t rise mid-contract.
• It’s usually free to switch if you stay with your existing provider.
• If you do move to a new provider offering a social tariff, there may sometimes be a small exit fee from your current contract – but many find the long-term savings are worth it.

Social tariffs can make a real difference:

• Mobile phone packages can be as little as £10 per month.
• Broadband prices typically range from £15 to £25 per month, far below standard rates.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility is generally based on whether you receive certain benefits. Each provider has slightly different rules, but if you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or similar income-related support, there’s a good chance you qualify.

Because providers want to keep it simple, most will only ask you to show proof of the benefits you receive. It’s a straightforward way to lower your bills without cutting back on essential services.

How to switch

If you’re already with a broadband or mobile provider that offers social tariffs, it’s often just a case of contacting them and asking to switch. There’s normally no cost to move over. If your current company doesn’t have a social tariff, you can look at switching to one that does – just check if there’s an early exit fee first.

Where to find social tariffs

The best way to see who offers these deals is to visit the Ofcom website. Ofcom keeps an up-to-date list of all the providers and the social tariffs they offer, so you can easily compare and see what suits your household best.