A DAD has revealed how he made a huge saving on an essential bill with a little-known scheme.
Father-of-three Mohammed Begum, 61, from Birmingham was struggling to afford a phone for his eldest son.
Mohammed managed to get a free sim through the National Databank
His son Amin, aged 15, has ADHD and other learning difficulties and having a stable routine is really important for him.
But during the summer holidays, a child’s routine can go out of shape.
Mohammed explained that one way his son keeps his routine is by cycling to his school gates every day, and then coming back.
But as the father-of-three works and also cares for his other children, he can’t go with his son and his son therefore needs a phone to keep in touch with this dad.
Luckily, Mohammed was introduced to the National Databank which provides free sim cards to struggling households.
Applicants can get 20GB of data and unlimited calls and texts all for free for six months.
They can then apply again for another six – though the support will stop after 12 months.
During that year, customers will not be charged a penny.
It’s helped us with the cost of living
The free sim card would be the equivalent of paying in excess of £15 a month and as each sim lasts six months, that’s a £90 saving.
Mohammed said the scheme has been a lifesaver to him and his family not only for his son’s routine but also financially.
He was able to save to buy a £60 phone for his son but was unable to afford for a monthly SIM.
He said the free SIM is helping him keep up with the cost of living, which has taken a toll on many families across the UK.
He said: “We’ve had financial difficulties and some people have been cut off [from their phone contracts].
“To get a sim card for free is wonderful, that data is free – I’m so happy.”
On top of that, Mohammed said the free O2 sim will keep his kids talking all holiday and keep them busy.
“It will give them the opportunity to sign up to and attend all the local activities available for special needs children.
“We have been able to book the venues and so many activities for them – thanks to the free sim data.
“We could not have afforded to have done this without the free data.”
He explained that it’s allowed his son to be a “normal kid”.
Not only is it a great help with his routine but it means he can go and meet friends during the summer break too.
He said: “He needs the assurance that I know and I am not worried. Having a phone with data gives him that.
“He will call me if the bus is delayed due to traffic and just say Late – traffic.”
Mohammed added: “I will then say a few words to reassure him.
“It helps his anxiety, as the phone noise is more direct and in his ear cutting out all the other external noises.”
National Databank support
National Databank, which was founded by Virgin Media O2, offers households struggling to keep up with costs a free sim card which gives his son unlimited calls and texts and 20GB of data.
The sim lasts six months but after that time has passed, recipients can apply for another one.
There is no set criteria to be eligible for one, but most will be on a low income or in need of financial support.
There are 1,200 National Databank hubs across the country where people can visit to sign up for a sim card.
The scheme also visits various schools up and down the UK to get in touch with vulnerable parents.
To qualify you must:
Be 18+ years old AND be from a low-income household
You must also:
Have no access or insufficient access to the internet at homeAnd/or has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home And/or cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up
You can apply via your nearest hub which you can find online here: https://www.o2.co.uk/national-databank.
It’s also worth asking your child’s school if they can put you in touch too.
You’ll be given the sim on the day (if you’ve asked in person).
What other help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners this month.
You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
Attendance AllowanceConstant Attendance AllowanceDisability Living Allowance for adultsDisability Living Allowance for childrenPersonal Independence PaymentAdult Disability Payment (in Scotland)Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)Armed Forces Independence PaymentWar Pension Mobility Supplement
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.