Millions of universal credit claimants could be missing out on free broadband internet.
Approximately 5.9 million people in the UK were estimated to be claiming universal credit by the Department for Work and Pensions as of June 2021.
And money-saving expert Martin Lewis has revealed you could be missing out on getting your internet entirely for free - if you satisfy certain criteria.
Here's how you can get free internet if you're currently claiming universal credit.
In September 2021, network TalkTalk partnered with the DWP to launch a scheme giving job seekers six months' free internet broadband.
At the time Daniel Kasmir, Chief People & Procurement Officer at TalkTalk, said the move would "democratise the internet and bring affordable, high-quality connectivity to everyone, helping to erase the UK’s digital divide."
Six percent of all homes in the UK do not have access to the internet, meaning 1.5 million people are offline, according to data from Ofcom.
Speaking on The Money Show Live on Friday, January 14, Martin Lewis outlined how UC claimants could avail of this offer.
"There are some social tariffs out there," he said. "If you are out of work, your Jobcentre may be able to put you in contact with TalkTalk to get its free six month broadband for jobseekers.”
Fibre35 gives average speeds of 38Mb/s and usually costs £22 a month on a two-year contract, plus a £10 postage charge. But universal credit claimants can get six months for free before getting the choice of going on to a rolling TalkTalk contract or cancelling.
However, you must be claiming UC and have a work coach through the Jobcentre to qualify.
What exactly do I get and how do I apply?
The offer is a six-month, no-contract offer with no credit check required. The product’s usage is uncapped too, meaning there are no data usage limits (except for the usual consumer fair usage constraints).
However, you won't get TalkTalk TV or calls as part of the deal. At the end of the six-month period, customers can choose to roll onto a contract with TalkTalk or can cancel the service with no additional costs or sign-up fees once it comes to an end, provided all equipment is returned.
To apply, you simply need to use a DWP referral code, which you should already have been sent automatically to claim the deal when you signed up for universal credit.
If you can't find an email about that, contact your Jobcentre work coach and they should get you a new code. Find you nearest JobCentre Plus here.
To get the latest email updates from WalesOnline straight to your inbox click here.
