Apply for Broadband Social Tariffs: Your Complete Guide

Understanding Broadband Social Tariffs

Broadband social tariffs are special internet deals designed for people on low incomes or specific government benefits. These social tariff broadband packages aim to make internet access more affordable for UK households that might otherwise struggle to pay for a reliable internet connection.

Key benefits of social tariffs include:

• Lower monthly prices (often £10-£20 cheaper than normal packages)
• No credit checks with most providers
• Usually no exit fees or long contracts
• Access to essential online services

According to Ofcom, as of 2023, about 4.2 million eligible households in the UK could benefit from these cheaper broadband deals, but only 220,000 have signed up so far. This means many people are missing out on significant savings on their broadband bill.

Who Can Get Social Tariffs?

You might qualify if you’re receiving:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Personal Independence Payment
• Employment and Support Allowance

Some providers also offer deals to people on low incomes, even without these specific government benefits. The eligibility criteria can vary between providers, so it’s worth checking with several to see if you qualify.

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What You Need to Apply

Before starting your application, gather the following:

• Proof of benefits (like a Universal Credit statement)
• ID (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of address (a recent bill)
• Your National Insurance number
• Bank details for payments

Having these documents ready will help streamline the application process and avoid delays.

Choosing a Provider

There are a growing number of broadband providers offering social tariffs. Some major options include:

• BT Home Essentials
• Virgin Media Essential Broadband
• Sky Basics
• TalkTalk for Jobseekers
• Vodafone Essentials
• Community Fibre (in selected areas)

When comparing deals, consider factors like:

• Monthly price
• Download speed
• Data allowance
• Contract length (many offer rolling contracts)

Any included extras (like landline calls or TV packages)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Check if you’re eligible Most providers have a quick online eligibility check. You’ll typically need your National Insurance number for this step.
2. Fill in the application form You’ll need to provide:
3. Your full name
4. Date of birth
5. Address
6. Contact details
7. Benefit information
8. Submit your documents Upload or post copies of:
9. Benefit award letters
10. Proof of address
11. ID
12. Wait for approval The approval process usually takes 1-2 weeks. If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s a good idea to follow up with the provider.
13. Set up your broadband If approved, you’ll receive instructions to set up your new, cheaper internet service. This may involve installing new equipment like a router.

Understanding Broadband Speeds and Packages

Social tariffs often offer a range of internet speeds to suit different needs:

• Basic packages: Usually around 10-15 Mbps, suitable for browsing and email
• Standard packages: Often 30-40 Mbps, good for streaming and video calls
• Faster packages: Some providers offer speeds up to 67 Mbps or more

The average download speed for UK broadband is around 64 Mbps as of 2023, according to Ofcom. While social tariffs might offer slightly lower speeds, they’re usually sufficient for most online activities, including streaming HD films and making video calls.

The Role of Openreach in UK Broadband

Openreach is a crucial part of the UK broadband network. It’s the company that owns and maintains the physical infrastructure (like fibre cables and telephone lines) that many internet service providers use to deliver broadband to homes and businesses.

Understanding Openreach’s role can help you make sense of why certain broadband deals might be available in your area:

• Openreach doesn’t sell broadband directly to customers. Instead, it provides the network that many major broadband providers use.
• The availability of faster speeds or fibre broadband in your area often depends on whether Openreach has upgraded the local infrastructure.
• Some providers, like Virgin Media, use their own network instead of Openreach’s, which is why their availability might differ.

How to Find Cheaper Broadband Deals by Comparing

Even if you don’t qualify for a social tariff, you can still find cheaper broadband by comparing deals. Here’s how:

1. Use comparison websites: These show you a range of deals from different providers in one place.
2. Check your usage: Understanding how much data you use and what speeds you need can help you avoid paying for more than necessary.
3. Look for special offers: Many providers offer deals for new customers, which can include lower prices for the first few months or free setup.

Consider bundle deals: Sometimes, combining your broadband with TV or phone services can work out cheaper overall.

1. Don’t ignore smaller providers: While major broadband providers are well-known, smaller companies might offer competitive deals in your area.
2. Check for hidden costs: Look out for setup fees, installation charges, or price increases after the initial contract period.
3. Negotiate with your current provider: If you find a better deal elsewhere, your existing provider might match it to keep your custom.

Understanding Contract Terms and Avoiding Penalties

When signing up for a new broadband deal, it’s crucial to understand the contract terms to avoid unexpected costs:

• Contract length: Most standard broadband deals run for 12, 18, or 24 months. Social tariffs often offer more flexibility with rolling monthly contracts.
• Early termination fees: If you need to end your contract early, you might face a penalty fee. This is less common with social tariffs but always check the terms.
• Price changes: Some contracts allow for price increases during the contract period. Check if your deal is protected from mid-contract price rises.
• End of contract: Providers should notify you when your contract is coming to an end. This is a good time to look for a better deal or negotiate a new package.

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The Future of Social Tariffs and Free Broadband

The landscape of social tariffs is evolving:

• More providers are introducing social tariffs, increasing competition and potentially leading to better deals for eligible customers.
• There’s ongoing discussion about the possibility of free broadband for some low-income households. While this isn’t widely available yet, it’s an area to watch.
• Some local initiatives and charitable organisations are working to provide free or heavily subsidised broadband in certain areas.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Broadband Deal

1. Regularly review your usage: Your needs might change over time. If you’re consistently using less data than your package allows, you might be able to switch to a cheaper deal.
2. Check your speed: Use online speed tests to ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for. If not, contact your provider.
3. Optimise your home setup: Simple changes like router placement can improve your connection speed and reliability.

Extra Help and Support

• Jobcentre Plus: Work coaches can often provide information about social tariffs and sometimes offer special codes for deals.
• Citizens Advice: Offers free, impartial advice on choosing and applying for social tariffs.
• Local libraries: Many offer free internet access and assistance with online applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Tariffs and Cheaper Broadband

Can I get fibre broadband on a Social tariffs?

Yes, many providers now offer fibre broadband on their Social tariffs. This provides a faster, more reliable internet connection, which is especially helpful for larger families or households that use the internet a lot.

What happens at the end of my contract?

Many social tariffs operate on a rolling contract basis, meaning you can cancel at any time. If there is a fixed contract period, you’ll usually be informed before it ends so you can decide whether to continue or look for a better deal.

Can I keep my landline with a social tariff?

Most social tariffs include a landline. Some, like BT Home Essentials, even offer cheap call packages for landline calls.

What if my application is rejected?

Ask the provider why and see if you can provide additional information. You might be eligible for a different deal or package.

How do social tariff speeds compare to normal packages?

While Social tariffs might have slightly lower average download speeds than some premium packages, they’re designed to provide a reliable internet connection suitable for most everyday online activities.

Can existing customers switch to a social tariff?

Yes, many providers allow existing customers to switch to a social tariff if they meet the eligibility criteria. Check with your current provider about the process and any potential changes to your service.

Are there any truly free broadband options?

While completely free broadband is rare, some initiatives provide free internet access in certain circumstances. For example, some local libraries offer free Wi-Fi, and there are charitable programs that provide free internet to specific groups like students from low-income families.