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Broadband social tariffs

How to compare broadband social tariffs by eligibility, speed, contract and total household need—not just the headline price.

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance

In brief

Social tariffs are lower-cost broadband packages for people who meet a provider’s current eligibility rules. They are usually designed to be easier to join or leave than standard deals, but the exact speed, price and verification process differ.

Use Ofcom’s live list and the provider’s own page. Check availability at the address, whether an existing customer can switch without penalty, and whether the package supports work, school, health or communication needs.

Compare the service before the saving

Write down the minimum speed and reliability the household needs. Video appointments, remote work, gaming, several devices or cloud backups can make a very slow package unsuitable. Ask about upload speed, router, line or phone service and installation.

Check eligibility and data handling

Providers may verify a qualifying benefit electronically or request limited evidence. Ask what is checked, whether documents are retained and when eligibility is reviewed. Never send full benefit records to an address that is not on the provider’s official site.

Move from an existing contract safely

Ask whether the current contract, exit fee, debt or equipment balance changes. Do not cancel before the new service is confirmed. If the provider refuses a tariff move, request the reason and use its complaint route.

When no social tariff fits

Ask about ordinary affordability support, removing extras, a payment plan and accessible billing. Compare total costs with other providers, but avoid a short promotional deal that becomes unaffordable when it ends.

A social-tariff enquiry

Use this with any broadband provider.

Please check every social-tariff or lower-cost broadband option for this address. I need the current eligibility rule, speed, total monthly price, contract term, setup charges and effect on my existing agreement confirmed in writing. If I am not eligible, please explain your ordinary affordability support.

A practical checklist

  • Use Ofcom and the provider’s official page.
  • Compare speed and total service.
  • Ask about existing contract and debt.
  • Confirm activation before cancelling.

Check the current information

These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.

Broadband and phone social tariffs — Ofcom

ofcom.org.uk

Open official information
Saving money on phone and broadband — Ofcom

ofcom.org.uk

Open official information
Free, impartial money guidance

moneyhelper.org.uk

Open official information

Ofcom broadband and phone social tariff list

How to use Ofcom’s social-tariff list as a starting point, then verify address availability, eligibility and service with the provider.

Read this guide

Social tariffs explained without the jargon

What social tariffs are, who offers them and how to compare one fairly with an ordinary contract.

Read this guide

Low-cost broadband and mobile social tariffs: a provider-by-provider starting point

How to compare current broadband and mobile social tariffs without relying on an outdated provider list or headline price.

Read this guide

Choose one next action

You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.

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HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.