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Premieres 1 November 2026 at 3pm UK time
The Old Fox's Penny Tips · Episode 5
On Universal Credit? Ask About Cheaper Broadband
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband deals, mostly £12 to £20 a month, for people on Universal Credit and some other benefits. General information, not financial advice.
General information, not financial advice. Check your own situation.
- Social tariffs are cheaper broadband deals for people on certain benefits; they are available to households receiving Universal Credit, and many providers also accept Pension Credit and other benefits (Ofcom, 'Social tariffs', updated October 2026).
- Ofcom says social tariffs cost between £10 and £24 a month, with most between £12 and £20, and there is no fee to switch onto your provider's social tariff (Ofcom).
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What the fox said
On Universal Credit, and paying full price for broadband? You might be paying more than you need to.
Many providers offer cheaper broadband packages called social tariffs.
Ofcom, the regulator, says most cost between about £12 and £20 a month.
If someone in your home gets Universal Credit, you may qualify. Many providers also accept Pension Credit, and some other benefits.
The person who gets the benefit usually needs to be the main name on the contract.
And if your own provider offers one, you can usually move onto it without an exit fee.
Ofcom says the price won't go up mid-contract, and there's no fee to leave one early.
Ofcom keeps a list of who offers them, and who qualifies for each.
So ring your provider, and ask the plain question. Do you have a social tariff, and do I qualify?
One phone call could save you a tidy sum each year. Keep your nose to the wind.
General information, not financial advice. Check your own situation.
Sources
- Social tariffs are cheaper broadband deals for people on certain benefits; they are available to households receiving Universal Credit, and many providers also accept Pension Credit and other benefits (Ofcom, 'Social tariffs', updated October 2026).
- Ofcom says social tariffs cost between £10 and £24 a month, with most between £12 and £20, and there is no fee to switch onto your provider's social tariff (Ofcom).
- The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract; social tariff prices won't go up mid-contract and there is no fee to leave one before the end of the contract (Ofcom, 'Social tariffs', updated 2 October 2026).
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