Broadband and phone social tariffs: who can get one

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or phone package for people who receive certain benefits, including Pension Credit. The service is the same as a standard package, just at a lower price, but you have to ask for it: providers do not move you on to one automatically.

What a social tariff is

"Tariff" is simply the industry word for a price plan. A social tariff is a discounted plan that broadband and mobile companies offer to customers on a low income. Ofcom, the communications regulator, describes them as cheaper broadband and phone packages that are delivered in the same way as normal packages.

At the time of writing (November 2026), Ofcom says social tariff prices range from £10 to £24 a month. For many households that is well below the price of a standard deal once any introductory offer has ended.

Who qualifies

Each provider sets its own rules, but according to Ofcom:

the major providers include people on Pension Credit, as well as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support
some providers also accept Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment
the person receiving the benefit must be the main person named on the contract

Some providers ask specifically for the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, so check the provider's own wording. If you think you might be entitled to Pension Credit but have not claimed, see our Pension Credit guide first.

How to get one

Check whether your current provider has a social tariff. Ofcom keeps an up-to-date list of every provider and tariff, with prices and speeds, on its social tariffs page.
If it does, apply. Most can be applied for online, or you can phone and ask to switch to the social tariff. The provider will need to confirm that you receive a qualifying benefit and will explain how it does this.
If it does not, consider switching. Ofcom says your current provider may let you leave without paying a penalty fee to move to another company's social tariff. Ask before you cancel.

Tip: If you are not confident online, phone your provider and say: "I receive Pension Credit and I would like to move to your social tariff." You do not need to give a reason or negotiate.

What is on offer

Ofcom's list is long and changes regularly, so we do not reproduce every price. At the time of writing (November 2026) it includes:

Home broadband from the big national names – BT, Sky, NOW, Virgin Media and Vodafone all appear on the list, with broadband tariffs starting from £12.50 a month and rising with speed.
Smaller and regional full-fibre companies – for example Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, KCOM (Hull) and others covering particular towns and regions, some from £12 a month.
Mobile social tariffs – a few mobile networks offer low-cost SIM plans to people on qualifying benefits, listed from £10 a month.

Not every provider serves every address, so check availability at your postcode on the provider's own website.

How much speed do you need?

Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbit/s). As a rough guide, the entry-level social tariffs listed at around 15 to 36 Mbit/s are enough for one or two people to browse, email, bank online, make video calls and watch catch-up TV. A busy household with several people streaming at once would notice the difference with a faster plan. Our guide to broadband for over-60s explains the jargon in more detail.

Things to check before you switch

Contract length and exit fees. Many social tariffs have short contracts or let you leave without penalty. Confirm this in writing.
Price rises. Ask whether the price is fixed for the length of the contract.
Your landline. If you keep a home phone, ask how calls are charged on the social tariff and whether your number moves with you. Landlines are moving to digital lines across the UK; see the landline digital switchover.
Telecare and alarms. If you have a personal alarm that uses the phone line, tell the provider before any change.
What happens if your benefit stops. Providers re-check eligibility from time to time.

Common reasons people miss out

Never having heard of them. Providers do not always advertise social tariffs prominently, and they do not appear on every price comparison site.
Assuming they are only for people of working age. Pension Credit is on the major providers' lists.
The contract is in someone else's name. The person on the benefit needs to be the main account holder. Ask the provider to change the name on the account.
Worrying the service is second-rate. It uses the same network and equipment as the standard package.
Fear of exit fees. Ask: moving to your own provider's social tariff mid-contract is normally allowed.

If you do not qualify

You can still cut the bill. If your contract's minimum term has ended, you are free to haggle or switch; our haggling guide and price comparison guide show how. Light mobile users can often save with a SIM-only deal.

Watch out: Be wary of unexpected calls claiming to be from your broadband provider, especially if the caller wants remote access to your computer or asks for bank details. Hang up and ring the number on your bill.

Common questions

Do I need to be on Universal Credit?

No. Ofcom says the major providers also include people on Pension Credit and several other benefits.

Will the provider see my benefit details?

The provider only needs confirmation that you receive a qualifying benefit. How this is checked is explained when you apply.

Can I get a social tariff for my mobile and my broadband?

Yes, if you qualify for each. They are separate products, often from different companies.

Is there a social tariff for a landline only?

Some providers have offered low-cost landline-only packages for people on certain benefits. Ask your provider what it currently offers, and see Ofcom's list.