Low-cost broadband deals
If you’re a low-income family, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband service.
An estimated 4.3 million households in the UK receive Universal Credit and are eligible for special discounted deals from their broadband provider. However, research by Ofcom has revealed that just 55,000 homes are taking advantage of these discounted rates. This means millions of people receiving benefits are missing out on an average annual broadband saving of £144 each.
Discounted deals – also known as ‘social tariffs’ – can provide a safety net for eligible Essex households who might be struggling to afford to pay for their broadband service. Here is a list of social tariffs available and the eligibility requirements.
Please note: some of these offers may not be available at your address. To find out, visit each website and enter your postcode, or go to a price comparison website such as USwitch or Compare the Market. In order to benefit from any of these deals, you must visit the provider's website directly (see the 'How to apply' column below).
| Provider | Speed (download) | Price | Contract length | Eligibility | How to apply |
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Around 36Mbps | £15 a month, plus £9.99 P&P (or £20 a month, plus £9.99 P&P for download speeds around 67Mbps) | 12 months | For people receiving Universal Credit; Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Employment and Support Allowance (eligibility rules apply); Jobseeker’s Allowance (eligibility rules apply); Income Support | Visit BT.com |
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15Mbps | £15 a month | 30-day rolling contract | For people receiving Universal Credit | Visit virginmedia.com |
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38Mbps | Free for six months | At the end of six months, you can choose to either take out a contract with TalkTalk or end the service penalty-free | For jobseekers on Universal Credit who don't have an internet connection | Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach if you’re eligible for the scheme |
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Around 36Mbps | £20 a month | Ongoing monthly contract (cancel 31 days in advance to avoid any early termination charges) | For people receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit | Visit Nowtv.com |
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Around 36Mbps | £20 a month | 18 months (Sky says it won't charge any early termination fees on Sky Broadband if you leave early) |
For people receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit; must be named on the Universal or Pension Credit monthly statement |
Visit Sky.com |
Please note: The information above is correct as of 11th May 2022. For full details of each deal, please visit each individual provider’s website.