ANOTHER major broadband provider has launched a cheaper tariff to support people on Universal Credit.
Shell Energy has introduced two new social broadband tariff to help low-income households with the high cost of living.
AlamyShell Energy has launched two new social broadband tariffs[/caption]
Those claiming certain benefits can typically slash their bill by £256 a year when signing up for one of these social broadband tariffs.
The Sun has long been campaigning for providers to introduce – and better promote – social tariffs to help the most hard-up households.
We even launched a tool with cost of living champions Nous last year to help highlight how much customers can save with social broadband tariffs.
Shell Energy’s offer is open to both new and existing customers.
But to qualify you’ll need to be receiving one of the following benefits:
Employment and support allowance (ESA)Jobseeker’s allowanceIncome supportPension creditUniversal Credit
Customers can grab a 12-month contract with 11Mbps download speeds for £15 a month.
But if you need faster speeds, there’s a separate deal offering 38Mbps speeds for £20 a month.
New customers can sign up by calling 0330 175 9942 or existing customers can call 0330 094 9181 and quote upgrade.
However, Shell Energy’s deal isn’t the cheapest social broadband tariff we’ve seen out there.
The cheapest we’ve seen at £12 a month with EE offers double the speeds available on Shell’s cheapest tariff.
You’ll have to check each telecom provider to see how to apply – you’ll often have to do this online or over the phone.
Be aware that some suppliers may charge you a penalty if you leave a tariff mid-contract.
Always remember that the exact amount you’ll save by switching will depend on how much you were paying for your broadband before.
Ofcom has a list on its website of all the providers that offer the tariffs too.
Which providers offer social tariffs?
BT
BT offers customers on selected benefits a low-cost 12-month contract costing £15 a month.
Average broadband speeds for the tariff are rated at 36Mb. You can check to see if your home is BT-ready by using the firm’s postcode checker on its website.
You’ll need to be in receipt of the following benefits to be eligible:
Universal CreditPension credit (guarantee credit)Employment and support allowance (ESA)Jobseeker’s allowanceIncome support
Customers can also get faster speeds with the BT Home Essentials 2 tariff which costs £20 a month.
Check if you’re eligible on BT’s website.
Now
Now’s Broadband Basics package is open to all those who receive Universal Credit and pension credit.
You can grab a 36Mbps contract for £20 a month on a 30-day rolling basis.
If you’re interested in the package you’ll need to ring Now on 0333 759 5056.
Sky
Like Now, those receiving Universal Credit and pension credit are eligible for Sky’s social broadband tariff – dubbed Broadband Basics.
It’ll set you back £20 a month over an 18-month term and it’ll give you speeds up to 36Mbps.
To check if you’re eligible and to apply for the tariff you’ll need to call Sky on 0333 759 3898.
Virgin Media
Virgin’s social broadband package costs just £12.50 a month on a 30-day rolling basis.
Anyone receiving one of the following state benefits can get the service:
Income-based employment support allowance (I-ESA)Income-based jobseekers allowance (I-JSA)Income supportPension creditUniversal Credit
If you want to subscribe to an Essential broadband package, you will need to provide your full name, postcode and date of birth, and confirm your consent to Virgin Media to perform an eligibility check.
Visit the Virgin Media website and sign up through the live chat function.
Vodafone
Vodafone’s Essentials Broadband costs just £12 a month and comes with 38Mbps download speeds.
Anyone receiving one of the following state benefits can get the service:
Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)Universal CreditEmployment and support allowance (ESA)Disability living allowance (DLA)Personal independence payment (PIP)
Existing Vodafone customers that have been identified as financially vulnerable can also get the service.
Visit the Vodafone UK website to sign up for Vodafone Essentials Broadband.
Alternatively, you can visit a Vodafone store or call the customer service team on 0333 304 0191.
Hyperoptic
Customers living in several of the UK’s biggest cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow are able to take advantage of Hyperoptic’s Fair Fibre plans.
The firm offers four social broadband tariffs priced between £15 and £20 a month and covering speeds between 50Mbs and 150Mbs.
The contracts are also set up on a 30-day rolling basis which means you can cancel the contract with more flexibility than other longer tariffs.
To be eligible you’ll need to be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits:
Universal CreditPension credit (guarantee credit)Employment and support allowance (ESA)Jobseeker’s allowanceIncome supportPersonal independence payments (PIP)Care leavers support
You can apply over the phone by calling 0333 920 9747 or emailing [email protected].
Do any other firms offer social tariffs?
A number of other smaller regional firms offer social broadband tariffs.
You’ll have to check directly to see if your region is eligible.
The total amount you’ll save will also vary depending on which provider you switch to.
4th Utility Social Tariff
£13.99 a month30 Mbit/s speed
Community Fibre Essential
£12.50 a month20 Mbit/s speed
Connect Fibre Basic Essentials
£20 a month50 Mbit/s speed
Country Connect Social Tariff
£15 a month50 Mbit/s speed
G. Network Essential Fibre Broadband
£15 a month50 Mbit/s speed
Grayshott Gigabit Connect
£19 a month100 Mbit/s speed
Hey! Broadband Everyday Fibre
£16 a month100 Mbit/s speed
KCOM
£14.99 a month30 Mbit/s speed
Lightning Fibre Social Tariff
£15 a month50 Mbits/s speed
Lothian Broadband Social Tariff
£19.99 a month100 Mbits/s speed
Run Fibre Social Tariff
£20 a month100 Mbit/s speed
Wildanet Helping Hand Social Tariff
£20 a month30-100 Mbits/s speed
WightFibre Essential Broadband
£16.50 a month100 Mbit/s speed
YouFibre Social Tariff
£15 a month50 Mbit/s speed