Cheaper broadband will be available more easily to people receiving benefits from next week. It could see people paying as little as £15 a month for services from companies such as BT, Sky and Virgin Media.
People who claim Universal Credit and other benefits can get cut-priced packages from their Internet Service Provider (ISP), but research shows that only 12 per cent of those eligible have taken up the deals. A major change next week will see the ISPs doing all the work for the customer under a Department for Work and Pensions initiative, the Express reports
From Monday, August 22, all a UK broadband user has to do is tell their ISP that they want to be considered for the cheaper deal with the provider then verifying whether they are in receipt of a relevant benefit. The new system will also simplify the process by removing the need for customers to prove their entitlement to broadband providers as regularly as every month.
Speaking about the changes, Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries, said: "Social tariffs are vital for families struggling with bills, keeping them connected even in tough times.
"Our discussion with broadband companies led to the range of social tariffs on the market today and we've secured a raft of new cost-of-living commitments from them to ensure help is available for anyone that needs it. I urge anyone concerned about falling behind on payments to contact their supplier to see what support is available."
Confusion over who is entitled along with the hassle of proving that Universal Credit is being claimed are just some of the reasons people are being put off switching to a far more affordable plan.
What you could be paying if you are eligible:
- BT Home Essentials: £15 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- Virgin Media Essentials: £15 a month - 15Mbps speeds
- Sky Basics: £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- NOW Basics: £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
- Hyperoptic Fair Fibre: £15 a month - 50Mbps speeds
The benefits that the DWP’s new system will be able to verify entitlement for are: for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income-related Employment Support Allowance. If you claim or are in receipt or any of these, then you should be able to cut your broadband bills from next week onward.
