Internet service providers offering £200 to households receiving Universal Credit - many may be unaware of their eligibility
Missing Out on Discounted Broadband: A Guide for Households on Government Benefits
Millions of households in the UK, including those on Universal Credit and other government benefits like Pension Credit, may be missing out on discounted broadband worth up to £200 per year. This article aims to shed light on the various affordable broadband and mobile phone deals available to eligible low-income households.
Several major broadband providers, such as BT, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, and Vodafone, offer discounted or social broadband deals for people on Universal Credit or Pension Credit. These deals provide lower-cost internet access and devices to help households save hundreds of pounds a year compared to standard deals.
BT, for instance, offers a Home Essentials package for those on Universal Credit and the guaranteed element of Pension Credit. This package costs £15.99 a month, but for eligible customers, the price drops to just £6.99 a month.
Community Fibre offers an essentials package for £12.50 a month, while 4th Utility offers a social tariff broadband for £13.99 a month. EE also offers a £12 monthly sim deal for those on Universal Credit.
To check if you are eligible for these discounted deals and not missing out on money you are entitled to, you can use a benefits calculator. Some reliable options include Turn2Us' benefits calculator, Entitledto's free calculator, MoneySavingExpert.com's benefits tool, charity StepChange's benefits tool, or Policy in Practice's calculator.
Policy in Practice's analysis shows that there were over 7.5 million missed claims for the tariffs. Eligibility for these discounted deals is checked every 12 months by the providers, so it's essential to make a claim if you think you may qualify.
Not only that, but these tariffs often come with no exit fees, although terms and conditions should be carefully checked.
In addition to discounted broadband, households can also benefit from other government support. For example, during the winter, claiming benefits such as Universal Credit can make you eligible for the warm home discount scheme, a £150 discount on your electricity bill.
The regulator Ofcom has a list of all the firms offering social broadband and mobile phone tariffs on its website (www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs). So, if you're a household on Universal Credit or Pension Credit, don't miss out on these valuable savings. Check your eligibility today!
