Customers struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis could be entitled to £12 a month broadband with Vodafone if they are in receipt of financial support.
The Vodafone Essentials Broadband package is a 'social tariff' which offers reliable broadband for customers receiving Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Existing customers that have been identified as financially vulnerable may also be eligible for the service that includes a home phone line.
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Providing the same 38Mbps speed as other Vodafone home broadband packages, the Essentials package costs less than 40p a day for the first 12 months of the contract. After the initial period, customers can continue with their Vodafone Essentials contract, provided they are still eligible.
For customers who are no longer in receipt of qualifying benefits, the monthly price will rise to £22.
The Vodafone Essentials tariff is available for all existing and new customers on the Fibre 1 or Fibre 2 package, but anyone currently subscribed to the Pro Broadband plan may be charged to leave their plan early.
A home phone line is also included in the package, to ensure that vulnerable customers are able to have contact with the outside world.
How to get the £12 Essentials Broadband package from Vodafone
Customers who think they may be eligible for the discounted rate can register their interest online. Once submitted, a representative will call within five working days to check eligibility and process the order.
During the application process, Vodafone will run a credit check. Anyone concerned about this can find out more about how it works here.
Vodafone isn't the only provider to offer discounted monthly rates for reliable home broadband, but according to the latest research from Ofcom as little as just five per cent of UK homes that fit the criteria for so-called "social tariffs" have actually signed up for them.
Nearly all providers offer reduced rates for customers in receipt of certain benefits. For example, the Virgin Media Essentials package starts from £12.50 per month, while the BT Essentials 1 package is available for £15 per month. Sky also offers reduced rates for customers who receive financial assistance.
Following recent price hikes, some Vodafone broadband customers have recently been hit with mid-contract price increases of nearly 15%. Customers struggling to meet their monthly payment commitments on any tariff should get in touch with the provider to see what options are available to them.
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