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How to compare current broadband and mobile social tariffs without relying on an outdated provider list or headline price.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
Social tariffs are lower-cost broadband or mobile plans offered by participating providers to people meeting their eligibility rules. Providers, qualifying benefits, speeds, prices and contract terms change, so use each provider’s own current support page.
Check the existing provider first because an internal move may avoid exit fees and installation delays. Then compare full service, not price alone: speed, data, calls, router, setup, annual rises, credit checks, contract length and what happens when eligibility changes.
Prepare the current-account facts
Record provider, service, monthly price, contract end, exit charge, speed or data and account holder. Ask whether the provider has a social tariff and whether existing customers can switch without penalty.
Check the provider’s eligibility wording
Do not assume every means-tested or disability benefit qualifies. Ask what evidence is needed, whether automated verification is used, how often eligibility is reviewed and what happens if verification fails.
Compare broadband by household use
A lower speed may be adequate for browsing and one video stream but not several simultaneous users, cloud gaming or remote work. Check upload speed, reliability, router and minimum service as well as advertised download speed.
Compare mobile by real data use
Review recent data and call usage, tethering, roaming and handset status. A low-cost SIM is not useful if the phone is locked, coverage is poor or essential data regularly runs out.
Keep the end-of-support plan visible
Ask whether the tariff has a fixed end, annual review or price change when eligibility ends. Save confirmation and set a review reminder. Never send benefit documents to a contact method not confirmed on the provider’s official site.
Ask a provider about its live social tariff
Use with the current broadband or mobile company.
I am an existing customer on [plan] at £[amount] and receive [qualifying benefit if comfortable stating it]. Please confirm your current social tariff, eligibility and verification, speed/data and call allowance, setup or exit fees, contract and price-rise terms, and what happens if eligibility changes. Please provide the offer in writing before switching.
A practical checklist
- Ask the current provider first.
- Verify benefits on the provider’s own page.
- Compare service and coverage, not only price.
- Set a reminder for eligibility or tariff review.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
ofcom.org.uk
Open official informationofcom.org.uk
Open official informationgoodthingsfoundation.org
Open official informationChoose 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.
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.