Mobile and broadband providers will help you find a better deal

If you’re claiming benefits and struggling to keep up with your mobile and broadband bills, then help is on the way.

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people receiving certain benefits.

But many people don’t know they exist.

In fact, official figures show that nearly seven in 10 broadband customers who are eligible for social tariffs haven’t even heard of them.

So the government is making it easier for people to access social tariffs.

What’s changing?

Under the government’s new Telecoms Consumer Charter, providers will have to signpost social tariffs to anyone who’s eligible.

They’ll also be expected to offer customers facing financial difficulty the chance to switch to cheaper plans without being hit with any penalties.

The UK’s biggest telecoms providers, including BT, Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, Sky and TalkTalk, have all signed up to the new charter.

End to surprise bill hikes

The charter also requires broadband and mobile providers to put a stop to unexpected bill increases.

Customers will be informed exactly what they’ll be paying when they sign up for a new deal and not be hit with surprise bill hikes midway through their contract.

In addition, people will be given clear information on any future price changes up front, so they don’t end up paying more than they anticipated.

“These changes will make a real difference to millions of consumers across the country and help with the cost-of-living pressures.” said technology secretary Liz Kendall.

Am I eligible for social tariffs? 

You could be eligible for a social tariff if you receive universal credit, and you might qualify if you get any of the following:

• pension credit
• employment and support allowance (ESA)
• jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
• income support

Other benefits like personal independence payment (PIP) or attendance allowance might also qualify but check with your provider to be sure.

The person receiving the benefits needs to be the main person on the contract.  

How to switch to a social tariff

If you think you might be eligible, then speak to your provider and ask if they offer a social tariff.

Some providers can switch you over with no hassle.

You won’t be charged to move to a social tariff, even if you’re in the middle of a contract.

If you’re not sure if your provider offers broadband and phone social tariffs, you can check using Ofcom’s full list.

If your provider doesn’t offer one, you can switch to one that does, and you won’t be charged for leaving early.