Social Tariffs

‘Social tariffs’ is a term for broadband and mobile phone packages created for people claiming certain benefits or on lower incomes. They’re designed to help save money while still getting reliable internet, data and mobile services.

They are like any standard broadband or mobile package, but available services and prices vary between all the providers. They are often called ‘Basic’ or ‘Essential’ packages and run-on short-term rolling contracts to allow you flexibility.  

Social tariffs are here to help if you are on a low income or on certain benefits. The most common qualifying benefits include means tested Universal Credit (UC) or Pension Credit (PC). But others include: 

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 
• Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) 
• Income Support Allowance (ISA) 
• Housing Benefit (HB) 

Some providers may also accept:  

• Personal Independence Allowance (PIP) 
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Disability Benefit 
• Attendance Allowance 
• Reduced earning allowance 
• Care Leavers support 

Eligibility for a social tariff varies between providers and qualification for one does not guarantee acceptance to others. These are subject to change, and your eligibility will be checked upon request of a social tariff package.

There are over 200 registered internet service providers (ISPs) in the UK, with more than 150 providers operating nationwide – so it is easy to feel overwhelmed finding the right one for you. To support you and your family we have created a tool that you can easily check:

We have compiled a list of current social tariffs in the UK and provided links to their support pages.

This varies per service provider and depends on if you are a new or existing customer.

Many providers offer an online eligibility checker or application form. Others ask you to call or request a call back to confirm eligibility, choose a package and set up your account.

To make this easier, our Discover more support tool links to each providers social tariff page as well as their contact details.

This varies between regional suppliers, but they all aim to lower your overall water bill.  

For example, some water suppliers may give you: 

• A discounted meter rate dependant on personal usage
• Capping of monthly or yearly bills
• Water bill reductions each year dependant on personal circumstance

Support levels and time limits differ by company. Contact your water supplier to check what’s available and whether you qualify.

Water companies use different eligibility rules. They may consider income, benefits, household circumstances and water usage, and some companies offer more than one scheme. Some examples of eligibility are: 

• Receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Universal Credit 

• Total household income being below a threshold 

• If your water bill is more than a certain percentage of your income after housing costs, disability benefits and council tax

We suggest that you thoroughly check your water supplier’s eligibility page and verify your eligibility with them direct. If you aren’t sure if your circumstances meet the criteria for a social tariff, you still may be eligible for help through other schemes or water support. 

Our Discover more support tool includes water suppliers across England and Wales, with links to support pages and contact details if you’d like to speak to someone.

We haven’t included information about water bills in Scotland and Northern Ireland because:

• Generally these are included in council tax payments in Scotland. 

• These are subsidised by the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.  

For more information on bills and subsidies in these two nations, visit:

Paying for water and sewerage in Scotland | Citizens Advice 

Water bills and charging | Consumer Council