Questions and answers
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about broadband social tariffs.
What is a social tariff?
A social tariff is a cheaper broadband deal that a provider sells only to people who get certain benefits. It isn't a government scheme and you don't apply to the DWP. Each provider decides its own price, speed and list of qualifying benefits.
It's an ordinary broadband service. You get the same network, engineers and complaints rights as any other customer. The differences are the lower price, usually a slower speed than the provider's fastest deals, and often a shorter contract.
Do I qualify if I get Universal Credit?
Almost certainly. Universal Credit is accepted by nearly every provider that has a social tariff. A few have extra conditions, so check the details on our Universal Credit page.
Do I qualify if I get PIP?
Sometimes. PIP isn't means-tested, so fewer providers accept it on its own. Our PIP page lists the providers that do. If you get PIP and a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you can use the other benefit to apply to a provider that doesn't accept PIP.
Do I have to change provider?
No, not if your current provider has a social tariff. You can ask to move onto it, keep your line and usually keep your router.
Will I have to pay a fee to leave my current contract?
If you move onto your own provider's social tariff, you shouldn't have to pay an early exit fee, even partway through a contract. Ofcom says that if your provider offers a social tariff, "you can switch to it at any time, free of charge".
If you leave for a different provider during your contract, your old provider can still charge you an exit fee. Some will waive it if you explain, so ask first.
Can I leave a social tariff before the contract ends?
Yes. Ofcom says you won't pay a fee to leave a social tariff before the end of your contract. That's one of the ways social tariffs differ from normal broadband deals.
Does the benefit have to be in my name?
Not always. Ofcom says that if you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could qualify. Providers set their own rules on this, though. Some want the account holder to be the person who gets the benefit, so check with the provider before you apply.
Will it affect my credit score?
The benefits check doesn't affect your credit score. It only confirms with the DWP that you get a qualifying benefit. Some providers do run a normal credit check when you open a new account, as they would for any customer. Ask before you apply if this matters to you.
Will the price go up every year?
Ofcom says the price of a social tariff won't go up mid-contract, so you won't have the yearly price rises that normal broadband deals have. Some providers do change the price once the minimum contract ends, so check the "Will the price change?" line in each provider's details.
What happens if I stop getting the benefit?
Providers re-check from time to time. If you no longer get a qualifying benefit, you'll usually be moved onto one of the provider's normal deals, which will cost more. At that point you're free to shop around like anyone else.
Is a social tariff fast enough?
For most households, yes. Around 30Mbps is enough for HD streaming on a couple of devices, video calls and working from home. Some social tariffs are much faster, especially full fibre ones. If several people in your home stream or game at the same time, look at the faster tiers.
Do I need a landline?
Usually not. Most social tariffs are broadband only, and some providers let you add a phone service for an extra charge. Each provider's details say what's included.
What if none of these providers covers my address?
Check every provider, including the regional full fibre ones, using each provider's own postcode checker. If nothing is available, the How to apply page lists other options, including free mobile data from the National Databank.
Why don't comparison sites show social tariffs?
Most comparison sites make money from commission when you sign up through their links. Social tariffs usually pay no commission, and many providers don't allow affiliate links on them, so they tend to be left out. This site has no affiliate links at all.
Where can I check the official list?
Ofcom, the communications regulator, publishes a list of social tariffs. If anything on this site is different from Ofcom's list or the provider's own website, believe them.