Broadband social tariffs
Broadband social tariffs are cheaper plans for people on benefits, from £12 a month. If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA or Income Support, you can usually move to one with your current provider for free and leave it without a fee. Only 8.6% of eligible households, 532,000 homes, use one (Ofcom, October 2026).
Facts checked: 24 October 2026 · Page updated: · Deals update daily
At a glance
Cheapest social tariff: Hyperoptic Fair Fibre, 50 Mb.
Ofcom list · 2 Oct 2026households use a social tariff, 8.6% of those eligible.
Ofcom, October 2026to move to a social tariff with your current provider, and to leave it.
Ofcomis the only large provider without a social tariff.
Provider pages · Oct 2026Broadband deals
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Every provider’s cheapest social tariff
| Provider and tariff | From | Speed | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre | £12 | 50 Mb | New and existing customers on listed benefits |
| Virgin Media Essential | £12.50 | 15 Mb | New and existing customers on listed benefits |
| Community Fibre Essential | £12.50 | 35 Mb | Anyone in its area, no benefit check |
| 4th Utility | £13.99 | 30 Mb | Qualifying buildings in England |
| Fibrus Full Fibre Essentials | £14.99 | 50 Mb | Listed benefits |
| KCOM Full Fibre Flex | £14.99 | 30 Mb | Hull and East Yorkshire, listed benefits |
| BT Home Essentials | £16.50 | 36 Mb | Also for EE and Plusnet customers |
| Quickline Social Tariff | £16.50 | 100 Mb | Listed benefits |
| YouFibre YOU 50 | £16.99 | 50 Mb | Listed benefits |
| Sky Broadband Basics | £20 | 35 Mb | Existing Sky customers only |
| Vodafone Fibre 2 Essentials | £20 | up to 80 Mb | Listed benefits, credit check applies |
Who can get one?
Usually anyone on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA or Income Support, and the account holder must be the person claiming. Some providers accept more benefits, such as PIP or Housing Benefit. Community Fibre Essential is open to anyone in its area with no benefit check.
How to switch with One Touch Switch
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Social tariffs questions
What is a broadband social tariff?
A cheaper broadband plan for people on benefits, from £12 a month. You can usually switch to it with your current provider for free and leave without a fee.
Who is eligible?
Usually people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA or Income Support. Some providers also accept PIP, Housing Benefit or Attendance Allowance.
Which providers have no social tariff?
TalkTalk is the only large provider without one. EE and Plusnet customers can move to BT Home Essentials, and Sky and NOW offer theirs only to existing customers.
Do social tariffs go up in April?
BT Home Essentials, Virgin Media Essential, Vodafone Essentials, Community Fibre Essential and Hyperoptic Fair Fibre are exempt from mid-contract rises.