We all rely on the internet every day, and social tariffs help make sure we can afford to stay connected.
Many of us face tough choices. Pay the gas bill or keep the Wi-Fi? Feed the kids or stream the telly? But the internet isn’t a luxury now. It’s how we pay bills, look for work, and stay in touch with mates and family.
Social tariffs make sure we don’t have to pick between staying online and keeping warm.
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs offer cheaper broadband and phone deals for those of us on Universal Credit or other benefits. They’re set up by big providers and backed by the government to help us keep bills fair.
With a social tariff, we could pay as little as ten to twenty quid a month. That could save us around £200 a year. And the best bit? No mid-contract price hikes sneaking up on us.
We can learn more on Uswitch’s guide to social tariffs.
Who can get one
Most social tariffs are open to those of us who get:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Or other government benefits
Rules can vary, but we can always check by asking our provider or using Uswitch’s broadband comparison tool. Uswitch found that two-thirds of low-income households don’t know about these deals. So best we check if we qualify.
How to Find the Best Deal
We can shop around and compare what’s on offer here:
Want to know how to make the most of these sites? Check out our Quids in! guide to using comparison sites here.
Will We Get Slower Speeds
Nope. Many social tariffs offer superfast speeds from thirty to one hundred megabits per second.
That’s more than enough for Netflix, Zoom calls, and the kids’ homework. In some parts of the country, we can even get ultrafast broadband for less.
Switching Made Simple
If we’re already tied into a contract, we might worry about early fees. But most providers let us move to a social tariff at no cost if we stay with them.
If our provider doesn’t offer one, it’s worth asking nicely if they’ll waive the fee. Some do, especially for loyal customers.
If our provider won’t let us leave early, we’ll need to wait out our deal. But Uswitch offers a handy reminder service. We just fill out our details and they’ll email us when our contract ends.
The Bottom Line
Social tariffs are a simple win. They help us save cash, stay connected, and keep life ticking over.
We all deserve a fair deal on broadband and phone bills. So let’s check if we can switch today and pocket the savings.
Image: Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock
