Do you receive benefits? You could be eligible for low-cost broadband!
Did you know that if you receive any of a range of qualifying benefits, you may be eligible for reduced-rate broadband deals, potentially saving you money? Here’s what the main providers are currently offering and what the eligibility criteria is.
Talk Talk (broadband only, line rental not included)
Cost: Free for six months.
What makes you eligible: Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, but you must have no current internet service.
Info: This deal is offered through the Job Centre and is intended for jobseekers to help find work.
How to apply: You must apply through your local Job Centre.
Vodafone Essentials (broadband and line)
Cost: £12 per month.
What makes you eligible: Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Allowance, Pension Credit or Personal Independence Payment.
Info: A credit check is carried out as part of the application and Vodafone will reassess your eligibility annually.
How to apply: Visit Full Fibre Broadband Deals – FTTP | Vodafone
BT Home Essentials (broadband and line)
Cost: £15 per month (plus £9.99 up-front payment) for average 36mb speed or £20 per month (plus £9.99 up-front payment) for average 67mb speed.
What makes you eligible: Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit (guaranteed credit element).
Info: A credit check is carried out as part of the application and BT will reassess your eligibility annually. You may also need to pay a refundable deposit.
How to apply: Visit www.bt.com/exp/broadband/home-essentials
Virgin Media Essential Broadband (broadband only, line rental not included)
Cost: £12.50 per month for average 15mb speed or £20 per month for average 54mb speed.
What makes you eligible: Universal Credit and you must also live in an area covered by Virgin.
Info: Around 55% of the country is covered by Virgin Media.
How to apply: Visit www.virginmedia.com/broadband/low-income-families
Sky Basics (broadband and line)
Cost: £20 per month for average 36mb speed.
What makes you eligible: Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Info: This deal is for existing Sky customers only. The contract term is 18 months.
How to apply: Visit www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-social-tariff
Now Basics (broadband and line)
Cost: £20 per month for average 36mb speed.
What makes you eligible: Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
How to apply: Visit www.help.nowtv.com/article/now-broadband-basics
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre Plan (broadband with optional line)
Cost: £15 per month for average 5omb speed or £20 per month for average 15omb speed. Line rental is an additional £3 per month for both plans.
What makes you eligible: Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or Care Leavers Support.
Info: You’ll also need to live in an area Hyperoptic covers.
How to apply: Visit www.hyperoptic.com/broadband/home/price-plans/socialtariff-broadband