Social tariff broadband in the UK: providers, prices and eligibility

A broadband social tariff is a lower-cost package offered by some providers to people who meet specific eligibility rules, often linked to certain benefits. 

From £11.25 a month, social tariff packages range from 15 Mbps to 1 Gbps across national providers and local full-fibre, fixed-wireless and community networks.

Ofcom reported that 532,000 customers were using a fixed or mobile broadband social tariff in June 2025. Its October 2025 research found that 70% of eligible households were unaware of social tariffs, and take-up remained below 9% of eligible households.

Find Social Tarriff Broadband Providers in Your Area

Enter your postcode into the the coverage checker below to see which providers can serve your home and then use the Social Tariffs filter to see all the which packages are available in your area.

Social tariff broadband deals compared

The table below compares social broadband tariffs from national and regional providers, ranging from entry-level packages to full-fibre options with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It brings the available prices, speeds and key package details together so you can compare what each provider offers.

B4SH has the highest setup charge at £170, followed by GoFibre at £99, B4RN at £60 and BT Home Essentials No Income at £10. Community Fibre’s 35 Mbps package includes three months free, then costs from £11.25 a month for the remainder of a 12-month term. Choose a one-month option if flexibility matters. If several people stream, work or game online at once, compare the faster packages available at your address.

Who can get a social tariff?

Eligibility depends on the provider and the specific package. Universal Credit is commonly accepted, while some providers also consider Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support. A smaller number may accept other qualifying benefits.

Providers can require the person receiving the benefit to be the named account holder, and they may check eligibility during sign-up or later. Being eligible for one provider’s tariff does not automatically mean you qualify for another’s. Check the current rules directly with the provider before cancelling an existing service.

If you are already with a provider, ask whether you can move to its social tariff without changing your phone number, router or installation. If you are joining a different network, check that it serves your home and ask whether installation or equipment costs apply. If you need more flexibility, compare the options in our guide to broadband without a contract.

How to choose the right social tariff

Next, match the speed to how your household uses the connection. A basic package may be enough for browsing, messages and one video stream. Several people on video calls, streaming or gaming at the same time may benefit from a faster option. Advertised speed is not the same as the speed every device will receive over Wi-Fi, especially in a larger home or a property with thick walls.

Before applying, check:

• Minimum term and notice period.
• Upfront setup, installation or delivery charges.
• Whether the price is fixed, promotional or subject to later changes.
• Router cost and whether it must be returned when you leave.
• The provider’s eligibility checks and what happens if your benefit changes.
• Any phone service included or required, and whether it costs extra.

How familiar providers compare

Sky Broadband Basics offers 150 Mbps on a 24-month term, compared with 73 Mbps from Vodafone Fibre 2 Essentials on the same minimum term. Virgin Media Essential Broadband offers 15 Mbps, while Essential Broadband Plus offers 54 Mbps; both have a one-month minimum term.

Switching to a social tariff

Before switching, contact your current provider and ask whether it offers a social tariff or can move you onto one. If you choose a different provider, ask the new provider how the switch will work and whether you need to contact your old provider. Do not cancel first unless the new provider tells you to; cancelling early can cause avoidable downtime or charges.

Check whether the new service uses the same network. A move to a different network may need an engineer visit, new equipment or a fresh installation appointment. Keep a note of your current contract end date, any notice period and the date the new service is due to start.

If you are unsure about the provider’s eligibility decision, ask what evidence it needs and whether a household member can be the account holder. Do not send benefit documents through an unverified link or email address.

When a social tariff may not be the best fit

If you need a speed, bundle, phone service or network that the social tariffs do not offer, compare standard broadband deals too. An introductory offer may cost less over the full term, but check its end price and any scheduled increases.

If you may move home or your benefit circumstances could change, check the provider’s rules and minimum term. A rolling package offers more flexibility but can cost more each month.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get social tariff broadband on Universal Credit?

Many providers accept Universal Credit, but each provider sets its own rules and may require the claimant to be the named account holder. Check the current eligibility details for the package you want.

Which providers offer social tariffs?

Social tariffs are available from BT, Community Fibre, Fibrus, Grain Connect, Hyperoptic, KCOM, NOW, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone and regional network providers. The options you can order depend on your address and eligibility.

Are social tariffs month to month?

Minimum terms range from one month to 24 months. Check the notice period and any exit charges before signing up.

Can I keep my current phone number?

That depends on your existing service and the new provider. Ask both providers before switching, especially if your home phone is important or uses a digital voice service.

What if my provider does not offer a social tariff?

Check whether another network serving your address has a suitable tariff, and compare the full cost of any standard deals available to you. If you receive a qualifying benefit, ask your current provider directly whether its eligibility rules have changed.

Find social tariff broadband at your address

Enter your postcode in our comparison to see which social-tariff providers serve your home, then confirm eligibility before applying.