Little-known loophole could slash broadband bills down to just £12
Customers of major providers like BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and Vodafone could cut their costs by hundreds of pounds a year by switching to these little known tariffs.
Households across the UK could be missing out on massive savings on their broadband bills thanks to a little-known loophole. Customers of major providers like BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and Vodafone could cut their costs by hundreds of pounds a year by switching to social tariffs.
These social tariffs are available to those on certain benefits, including Universal Credit, and can drastically reduce monthly broadband bills. For example, BT offers a 36Mbps connection for just £15 per month on its social tariff, compared to £33.99 per month for its standard 24-month broadband-only package.
Over the full two-year contract period, that equates to a saving of £456. And BT isn't the only provider offering these discounted deals – Sky, Virgin Media, and Vodafone all have similar social tariff options.
Who Qualifies for a Social Tariff?
You could be eligible for a social tariff broadband deal if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Pension credit (guaranteed credit)
- Employment and support allowance (income-related)
- Universal Credit
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The process for switching to a social tariff varies between providers, but it's typically as simple as calling up and requesting the discounted package. Some may require proof of benefit eligibility, so be prepared to provide that information.
What Social Tariff Deals Are Available?
BT offers two social tariff options – a 36Mbps connection for £15 per month or a faster 67Mbps service for £20 per month.
Sky's social tariff provides 36Mbps speeds for £20 per month.
Virgin Media has a 15Mbps package for £12.50 per month or a 54Mbps service for £20 per month.
And Vodafone's Fibre 2 Essentials deal delivers up to 73Mbps for £20 per month.
It's worth noting that not all of these social tariff options may be available in every area of the UK. Providers' eligibility criteria may also differ, so it's important to check the details for your specific situation.
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Finding the Right Social Tariff for You
When comparing social tariff deals, consider factors like:
- Broadband speeds
- Monthly cost
- Any additional features included
- Availability in your local area
You can use Ofcom's handy list of all the social tariffs currently on offer to get a sense of the options. And sites like MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare and Uswitch can help you find and compare the best deals.
Just be mindful of any early exit fees if you're already tied into a broadband contract.
With the cost-of-living crisis squeezing budgets, these social tariff savings could make a real difference for thousands of households. Don't miss out on this little-known loophole to slash your broadband bills.