How Social Tariffs Can Help You Save on Household Bills
With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household finances, many people in the UK are unaware they could be paying less for essential services like broadband, water and energy. If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs – discounted rates offered by providers to help those most in need. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Social Tariffs?
Social tariffs are specially discounted rates offered to people on low incomes and/or receiving certain means-tested benefits. These tariffs are often significantly cheaper than standard ones and aim to ensure everyone can afford access to essential utilities and services.
Unlike short-term promotions, social tariffs are designed to offer long-term affordability and typically come with flexible terms, e.g. no exit fees and the ability to switch back to regular plans when your circumstances change.
Social Tariffs for Broadband
Broadband internet is essential for accessing services, finding work, staying in touch, and more. Yet many people are paying standard prices when they could be saving money each month.
Who Offers Social Broadband Tariffs?
Most major UK broadband providers offer social tariffs. Some examples are shown in the table below.
| Provider | Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Speed | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | Home Essentials | £15 | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | £12.50 | 15 Mbps | Universal Credit |
| Sky | Broadband Basics | £20 | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit, Pension Credit |
| NOW | Broadband Basics | £20 | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit, Pension Credit |
| Hyperoptic | Fair Fibre Plan | £15 | 50 Mbps | Several means-tested benefits |
Check each provider’s website for full details and availability in your area.
How to Apply
You’ll usually need to:
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Be receiving a qualifying benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA)
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Apply directly with the provider, often via a dedicated web page
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Provide proof of eligibility (some providers check automatically)
Most social broadband tariffs have no setup fees, no mid-contract price rises, and shorter contract terms – typically 12 months or rolling monthly
Social Tariffs for Water Bills
As discussed in this recent blog post, water companies in England and Wales also offer discounted tariffs for customers who are struggling to afford their bills. These social water tariffs are designed to reduce charges for households on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.
What Support Is Available?
Each water company sets its own scheme, but most offer:
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Reduced bills based on income and household circumstances
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Debt support and payment plans
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Water meters to help control usage
For example:
| Water Company | Scheme Name | Support Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Thames Water | WaterHelp | Up to 50% off bills for low-income households |
| Severn Trent | Big Difference Scheme | Bills reduced by up to 90% depending on income |
| United Utilities | Help to Pay | Lower bills for those on Pension Credit |
| Yorkshire Water | WaterSupport | Tiered discount based on income and household size |
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies slightly by region, but in general you may qualify if:
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Your household income is below a certain threshold (e.g. £21,000 per year)
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You receive means-tested benefits
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You have high water usage due to medical needs or a large family
How to Apply
Visit your water company’s website or contact them directly. You’ll likely need:
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Proof of income or benefits
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Recent water bills or meter readings
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Details about your household size and needs
You can also get help from Citizens Advice or StepChange, who can assist with applications and managing arrears.
Social Tariffs for Energy
Energy prices remain high, and although the Energy Price Guarantee and price cap offer some protection, many households are still struggling.
While there is currently no mandatory social tariff for energy in the UK, some suppliers do offer extra support, and the government has been consulting on introducing a formal scheme.
Help Currently Available
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Warm Home Discount: Offers £150 off your electricity bill automatically if you’re eligible. It’s not a social tariff, but it helps reduce costs.
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Priority Services Register: Offers free support services (e.g. advance notice of outages, help reading meters) for vulnerable customers.
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Energy Support Funds: Some suppliers (e.g. British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, Octopus) offer hardship funds or discretionary credit for customers in financial difficulty.
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Government Consultation: A formal energy social tariff could be introduced in the future, aiming to replace stop-gap measures like the Warm Home Discount.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria vary by provider, but typically you must be receiving at least one of the following:
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Universal Credit
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Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
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Income Support
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Attendance Allowance
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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Carer’s Allowance
Even if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking — some providers may consider broader circumstances.
Tips to Save Even More
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Use a benefits calculator (e.g. Turn2us or Entitledto) to check what you’re entitled to.
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Switch providers: Even without a social tariff, switching could save you money.
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Check for grants or local schemes via your council or Citizens Advice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with your broadband or energy bills, don’t suffer in silence. Social tariffs can offer substantial monthly savings and provide peace of mind during difficult times. They’re designed to be easy to apply for and are often available even if you’re already a customer.
Check with your provider or visit Ofcom’s website to find out more – and make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.
Have you benefited from a social tariff? Share your experience in the comments to help others who might be eligible too.