Britons claiming certain benefits may be able to slash their phone bill to just £10 by applying for a social tariff. A report by Policy in Practice estimates thousands of households are missing out, with the total figure of unclaimed social tariff support amounting to a startling £3.3billion last year.
Social tariffs are designed to provide cheaper deals for low-income and vulnerable households claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and some others. They are currently available for services such as broadband, mobile, and water bills. Drawing attention to the tariffs, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis posted on X: “On benefits? You may be due cheap, long-term ‘social tariffs’…”
Social tariffs are delivered like regular packages but at a lower price, often with better terms, such as no mid-contract price increases. People can also often leave the contract when they like, penalty-free.
These deals could reduce your broadband or phone bill to just £10 per month, yet many people don’t realise they’re eligible to apply.
Who could qualify for a social tariff?
According to Ofcom, social tariffs are typically largely available to people who claim Universal Credit.
All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support. Some providers might include additional benefits, like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance.
The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.
How to apply for a social tariff
First, people should check if their current provider offers a social tariff. If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does.
You can apply for most tariffs online or call the provider and ask to switch.
A complete list of social tariffs that are currently available can be found on Ofcom’s website here.
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