With the cost of living increasing more and more, it is forcing many people to go through their outgoings with a fine tooth-comb.
This comes as inflation has hit a 40-year high to 9.4 per cent with experts warning it could reach 13 per cent in a matter of months and energy prices to rise again in October. One way some people may be able to cut down on their spendings is to choose a new broadband package.
As a result of the cost of living crisis, major internet providers have launched a 'social tariff' broadband package with contracts from as little as £15 a month for those who receive DWP benefit payments.
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As the Daily Record reports, the main fixed broadbands have agreed a set of commitments with the UK Government in June in a bid to support households as prices rise. Those who receive certain benefits or are on low income are eligible to the 'social tariffs'.
However, Ofcom has issued an important message as only 1.2 per cent of those eligible have taken advantage despite it being available to around 4.1 million households in receipt of Universal Credit.
As well as those receiving Universal Credit, the social tariffs are also available to people who get other means-tested benefits from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) such as Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
BT offers a £15 monthly broadband package, while Virgin Media also offer a £15 package for people claiming Universal Credit. Sky have a Broadband Basics package which is available for £20 to existing customers. Meanwhile, if you don't have Sky broadband, you can get NOW Broadband Basics for £20 each month.
Below is everything you can expect from the broadband social tariffs.
Sky Broadband Social Tariff - £20 per month
if you’re struggling to pay your Sky Broadband bills, but want to stay connected, Sky Broadband Basics could be ideal.
The package costs £20 per month for 18 months.
This includes:
- Sky Broadband Superfast 35 with an average download speed of 36Mb/s
- Or if fibre isn’t available where you live, Sky Broadband Essential Plus with average download speeds of 11Mb/s
- Sky Pay As You Talk - only pay for the calls that you make
The contract lasts 18-months, but if you need to leave before it ends, Sky won’t charge you any early exit fees on your broadband.
After 18-months the price will go back to the standard rate, but they will send you an email to tell you when this will be and you can then get in touch with them to talk about the options available.
Eligibility
You must be an existing Sky broadband customer and claiming Universal Credit or Pension Credit to qualify for Sky Broadband Basics.
Sky will ask you for your National Insurance number so they can check if you’re eligible.
Find out more on Sky.com here.
NOW Broadband Basics - £20 per month
This is a package designed for NOW Broadband members and costs £20 per month on a monthly rolling contract.
This includes:
- NOW Fab Fibre Membership with an average download speed of 36Mbps
- NOW Calls - the Pay as you Use calls plan included at no extra cost, so you only pay for the calls you make, with no monthly charge
As it’s a monthly contract, you just need to let them know 31 days in advance if you want to cancel, and you won't need to pay any early exit fees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for NOW Broadband Basics, you must be receiving either Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
NOW will ask you for your National Insurance number so they can check if you’re eligible.
Find out more on NOWTV.com here.
BT Home Essentials - £15 per month
BT Home Essentials is the new name for BT Basic, providing broadband and home phone services to customers on benefits.
Two broadband packages are available with speeds of 36Mb and 67Mb, while customers who just want a landline can sign up for home phone only with unlimited minutes.
The eligibility criteria for BT Home Essentials are tight and customers must be in receipt of certain benefits to qualify.
Eligibility for BT Home Essentials
BT Home Essentials is open to new or existing BT customers who are receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income based or with contributory allowance that is less than the income based portion)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The person in receipt of an eligible benefit must be the named account holder on their BT Homes Essentials plan.
BT package options
Home Essentials Unlimited Fibre Essentials
- Cost: £15 per month (12 month contract)
- Speed: 36Mb average
- Upfront costs: Free
Home Essentials Unlimited Fibre
- Cost: £20 per month (12 month contract)
- Speed: 67Mb average
- Upfront costs: Free
Home Essentials - Calls Only
- Cost: £10 per month (12 month contract)
- Upfront costs: Free
Eligibility checks
When a customer applies for BT Home Essentials, they will need to pass an eligibility check. This will include the type of personal information normally supplied when applying for broadband such as surnames and addresses.
Applicants will also need to supply their date of birth and National Insurance number so their specific eligibility for Home Essentials can be checked and there is the option of a security deposit is available for those with low credit scores.
Find out more on the BT Home Essentials here.
Virgin Media Essential broadband
Virgin Media Essential broadband helps you get online for £15 a month with a 15Mbps fibre broadband speed.
Eligibility for Virgin Media Essential broadband
if you’re already a Virgin Media customer and you receive Universal Credit, you can qualify for this broadband-only pack.
Virgin Media just needs the account owner to show some proof that they receive Universal Credit before they can set them up.
To apply, just fill in an online application form and they will email you back with how to complete the eligibility checks.
Once signed up, Virgin will swap your accounts over and you won't have to pay any extra fees for switching.
Virgin says it will keep you connected at £15 a month for as long as you’re eligible. This means the price of your Essential broadband pack won’t change while you’re receiving Universal Credit payments.
Broadband-only package
The Essential broadband pack is a broadband-only service, so if you’re currently taking TV and/or home phone with Virgin, these services will be cancelled.
Flexible 30-day contracts
Essential broadband is a 30-day rolling contract, which means whenever you’re ready to go back to your usual Virgin Media services, just give them a call and they will sort it all out for you.
If you ever want to switch to Essential broadband again, you can just reapply the same way.
Find out more about Virgin Media Essential broadband here.
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