Which pensioners are missing out on lower broadband social tariffs?
Recent research by USwitch has found that those on low incomes struggling to afford their broadband bills in the UK could be entitled to savings of up to £257.88 a year with the help of social tariffs.
While this research relates primarily to those on universal credit, some pensioners could also qualify. However, receiving a State Pension doesn’t automatically mean qualification. The potential recipient will have to meet the provider’s eligibility criteria. Mostly likely that will be receiving Pension Credit, although Attendance Allowance is now being accepted by some providers.
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs are discounted broadband (and sometimes mobile) plans offered by many UK internet service providers to households on low incomes, intended to make connectivity more affordable. These often have:
- lower monthly prices (sometimes £10–£23)
- flexible rolling contracts with no exit fees
- same basic service as regular plans, just cheaper
State Pension and social tariff eligibility
If a pensioner also claims Pension Credit – a benefit for people over State Pension age on low income – they will typically be eligible for a social broadband tariff with many providers. Pension Credit is separate from the regular State Pension and is one of the most common qualifying benefits for social tariffs. Even if you own your home or have savings, you can still be eligible for Pension Credit (and thus social tariffs).
Major nationwide social tariff deals
We asked ChatGTP to give us a snapshot of social tariff deals available across the UK in January 2026. These may vary by region, but give a good idea of what’s out there. Visit the provider’s website for the latest information.
Virgin Media – Essential Broadband
- £12.50/month for ~15 Mbps
- £20/month for ~54 Mbps (Essential Broadband Plus)
- Rolling 30-day contract with free setup
- Eligibility: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based ESA/JSA
Find details on Virgin Media’s social tariff page.
BT – Home Essentials
BT offers several social tariff tiers (pricing recent but subject to change):
- ~£16/month — Basic 36 Mbps (No Income option)
- ~£21/month — Unlimited 36 Mbps
- ~£24/month — Unlimited 67 Mbps
- Eligibility: low-income benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit; verified annually)
See the BT Home Essentials info on BT’s website.
Vodafone – Fibre 2 Essentials
- £20/month ~73 Mbps social tariff broadband
- Rolling contract in many areas
- Available to eligible benefit households
Visit the essentials broadband page on the Vodafone site.
Sky Broadband Basics
- £20/month ~36 Mbps
- Usually for existing Sky customers who are eligible
Check eligibility directly with Sky on the website
Regional and alternative provider social tariffs
Some smaller or regional networks also offer social tariffs – these can be great if they cover your postcode:
| Provider | Approx. Price | Typical Speed | Notes |
| 4th Utility | ~£13.99 | ~30 Mbps | UK (varies) |
| Community Fibre Essential | ~£12.50 | ~35 Mbps | London area |
| Hyperoptic Fair Fibre | ~£15–£20 | 50–150 Mbps | Full-fibre where available |
| G.Network Essential Fibre | ~£15 | ~50 Mbps | London |
| Connect Fibre Essentials | ~£20 | ~150 Mbps | Parts of East Midlands |
| Quickline Social Tariff | ~£16.50 | ~100 Mbps | Yorkshire and Lincolnshire |
| WightFibre Essential | ~£16.50 | ~100 Mbps | Isle of Wight |
| YouFibre Social Tariff | ~£15 | ~50 Mbps | UK-wide where available |
| Hey! Broadband Everyday Fibre | ~£16 | ~100 Mbps | South-East England |
Availability varies by region and ISP network coverage – always check your postcode with the provider before signing up.
Where to find more information
You can find and apply for social tariff broadband advice here:
- Ofcom Social Tariffs Guide Ofcom maintains a live list of all broadband and phone social tariffs and shows prices and basic eligibility
- Comparison Sites like Uswitch, Which? or ThinkBroadband often list social tariffs with prices and links. Using those can make it easier to compare deals in your area.
Quick tips before you apply
- Check coverage first: Some deals are regional rather than UK-wide
- Some are rolling contracts: Good flexibility if you want no long tie-in
- Prices may change: Providers update social tariff pricing occasionally, so always check the latest on their sites
- Providers must verify eligibility regularly: Usually yearly for ongoing qualification.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash