A Martin Lewis fan has revealed how she saved £500 a year on broadband after one simple phone call. Emma wrote in to Money Saving Expert (MSE), which is founded by the personal finance guru, to rave about her positive result.
She said: "After reading about BT's social tariff, I made one phone call to see if we were eligible, as we're currently receiving universal credit, and got our bill reduced from £65 a month to £21 a month - that's a saving of over £500 a year. We couldn't believe it. Thank you so much."
According to the website, if you're on universal credit or similar benefits, you could qualify for a discounted social broadband tariff. Around four million people are eligible, but take up is low. Telecoms regulator Ofcom estimates people could save £144 a year on average. However, like Emma, many have the potential to save even more. Below are five of the best discounted social broadband tariffs according to MSE:
Read more: Martin Lewis fan says she's saved £1,200 a year thanks to money-saving advice
TalkTalk broadband (no line)
What you get:
- Free average 38Mb speed broadband only (no line) for six months
This is available to eligible new and existing customers. According to MSE this is technically not a social tariff, it's for jobseekers on universal credit who don't have an internet connection. Eligibility is determined by Jobcentre staff.
Vodafone Essentials broadband and line
What you get:
- £12/month for average 38Mb speed broadband only and line
This is available to eligible new and existing customers. To qualify, you need to be receiving one of the following: jobseeker's allowance or universal credit, employment and support allowance, disability allowance, pension credit or personal independence payment. Vodafone will reassess whether you're still eligible every 12 months. A credit check will also be carried out as part of the application process.
BT Home Essentials broadband and line
What you get:
- £15/month (£9.99 upfront) for average 36Mb speed
- £20/month (£9.99 upfront) for average 67Mb speed
This is available to eligible new and existing customers. To qualify, you need to be receiving one of the following: universal credit, income-related employment and support allowance, pension credit (guarantee credit element), income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance.
As part of the application process, BT will carry out a credit check and you may have to pay a security deposit which is refundable, MSE stated. After 12 months, BT will run another eligibility check to see if you still qualify.
Virgin Media Essential broadband (no line)
What you get:
- £12.50/month for average 15Mb speed broadband only (no line)
- £20/month for average 54Mb speed broadband only (no line)
To qualify, you need to be receiving universal credit and living in an area Virgin covers (55% of the UK). It is open to new and existing customers.
Sky Basics broadband and line
What you get:
- £20/month for average 36Mb speed broadband & line over an 18-month term
- Once you have Sky Basics, you are also entitled to a free 3GB/month Sim with Sky Mobile
This is available to existing Sky customers only. To qualify, you need to be receiving universal credit or pension credit and be an existing Sky broadband customer. More options are available on the MSE website.
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