Millions of people could save up to £250 a year with a broadband social tariff – could you be one of them?
Broadband social tariffs have been on offer to people on a low-income for a while but despite 4.2 million households receiving universal credit, only a small percentage are taking advantage of this saving.
Seven providers offer social tariffs in County Durham with offers starting from £10 a month for a mobile broadband deal and speeds ranging from 15Mbps to 67Mbps.
It’s never been easier to switch, with most providers using an automated system that allows them to gauge your eligibility from only your national insurance number.
Tariffs in County Durham
The table below sets out a list of packages currently available in the area. Offers may change so make sure to check the Ofcom website for the latest UK-wide social tariff packages.
| Package | Price (Monthly contract) | Maximum speed | You could qualify if you receive... |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT – Home Essentials - No Income (Zero Income only) | £15 | Up to 36 Mbps | Universal Credit. No Employment Income: You must not receive any income from paid employment. |
| BT Home Essentials 36 Mbps | £20 | Up to 36 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| BT Home Essentials 67 Mbps | £23 | Up to 67 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| NOW broadband Basics | £20 | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Sky Broadband Basics | £20 | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband | £12.50 | 15 Mbps | Universal Credit |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband Plus | £20 | 54 Mbps | Universal Credit |
| Vodafone Fibre 2 Essentials | £20 | 73 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| VOXI For Now | £10 | 5G where available | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| YouFibre 50 | £15 | 50 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| GoFibre Social Tariff | £20 | 30 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| B4RN Social Tariff | £15 | 1 Gbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
*Various benefits is likely to include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-Related Employment Support Allowance
Subscribing to a social tariff
Contact your chosen provider to discuss your eligibility for a social tariff.
Most providers will let you switch to their own social tariff without paying exit fees on their current contract. However, if you are switching to another provider, you may have to pay a cost to end your contract with your current provider early or wait until your contract comes to an end.
For more information on low cost options to get online see our free access and offers page.
