Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website has warned that millions of homes could be missing out on lower broadband prices.
The consumer rights website explained how more than four million people are eligible for so-called “social tariffs” - but only 1.2% of people have taken advantage of these deals.
Broadband regulator Ofcom estimates that switching to one saves an average of £144 each year.
“Social tariffs” are discounted deals normally available to low-income customers and people who claim benefits - although the exact eligibility criteria does vary between providers.
As well as offering lower prices, these deals also typically don’t include any exit fees.
“These social tariffs (except TalkTalk) have consistently low monthly costs, so are - for most who qualify - unbeatable price-wise if you want to stick with one provider for a number of years,“ explained the MoneySavingExpert team.
“However, if you're a regular switcher you'll be able to undercut them by riding the top deals above for the switching incentives and changing every year or two.
“It's worth checking, as David emailed: Thank you for the advice about BT's social tariff, which isn't widely advertised. I have switched a friend on to this tariff and he'll save £96/year.”
The latest advice from MSE comes after the Government confirmed it will make it easier for broadband and mobile phone companies to check if customers are eligible for “social tariffs”.
The new scheme, which will launch next week, will allow internet service providers to verify – with customers’ permission – whether they are in receipt of a relevant benefit.
Virgin Media O2 has already signed up to the new scheme and ministers are hoping other providers will follow suit.
Full list of all the 'social tariffs'
Here is a full breakdown of all the providers offering a “social tariff” with speeds varying from 15Mbps to 67Mbps.
The eligibility criteria does vary widely, so not everyone will be eligible for these lower prices - check with the company to make sure.
For example, the TalkTalk free broadband for six months deal is only available to jobseekers who claim Universal Credit.
It is down to your local Jobcentre to decide if you're eligible for that deal.
For other “social tariffs” it might be that you need to claim certain benefits - without approval from the Jobcentre - in order to sign up.
Air Broadband Support - £20 (100Mbps)
BT Home Essentials - £15 (36Mbps)
BT Home Essentials 2 - £20 (67Mbps)
Country Connect Social Tariff - £15 (50Mbps)
G.Network Essential Fibre Broadband - £15 (50Mbps)
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50 - £15 (50Mbps)
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 150 - £25 (150Mbps)
KCOM Full Fibre Flex - £14.99 (30Mbps)
Now Broadband Basics - £20 (36Mbps)
Sky Broadband Basics - £20 (36Mbps)
TalkTalk - FREE for six months (38Mbps)
Virgin Media Essential Broadband - £15 (15Mbps)
4th Utility Social Tariff - £14.40 (30Mbps)
Not all broadband providers operate nationwide - so check what is available where you live.
