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Social Tariffs 2025

Website Banner on social tariffs

In today’s digital world, staying connected isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or simply keeping in touch with loved ones, being online is essential. But for many people, especially those on low incomes or facing digital exclusion, the cost of broadband or mobile data can be a real barrier.

That’s where social tariffs come in.

What Are Social Tariffs?

Social tariffs are discounted broadband and mobile deals offered by major providers to help people on certain benefits stay connected. These tariffs are designed to be affordable, with fixed low prices and no early exit fees – making them a safe and flexible option for those who need them most.

Who Can Get a Social Tariff?

You may be eligible if you receive one of the following:

Universal credit

Pension credit (guaranteed credit)

Employment and support allowance

Jobseeker's allowance

Income support

Reduced earnings allowance

Personal independence payments

Disability allowance

Please note you'll need your National Insurance number when applying for a social tariff.

NOW logo

💻NOW Broadband Basics

  • Contract length: 30-day rolling contract
  • Price: from £20 a month 
  • Average download speed: from 36Mbps 
  • How to apply: NOW Broadband Basics
Virgin Media logo

💻Virgin Media Social Tariff Broadband

 

BT logo

💻BT Home Essentials

  • Contract length: 12 months
  • Price: from £15 a month (plus £9.99 P&P)
  • Average download speed: from 36Mbps 
  • How to apply: BT Home Essentials

 

Sky logo

💻Sky Broadband Basics

  • Contract length: 24 months
  • Price: from £20 a month 
  • Average download speed: from 35Mbps 
  • How to apply: Sky Social Tariffs
  • This offer is only available if you already have Sky Broadband

 

Vodafone logo

💻Vodafone Essentials Broadband

  • Contract length: 12 months (free setup)
  • Price: from £20 a month 
  • Average download speed: 73 Mbps 
  • How to apply: Vodafone Essentials Broadband

 

EE logo

📱EE Basics - low cost social mobile tariffs

  • Contract length: 30-day rolling contract for 12 months
  • Price: from £12 a month (SIM only)
  • Average download speed: 25 Mbps 
  • How to apply: EE Mobile Basics SIM only

 

Fibrenest logo

💻FibreNest Social Tariff

  • Contract length: 12 months (free setup)
  • Price: from £14.50 a month 
  • Average download speed: 36 Mbps 
  • How to apply: FibreNest Social Tariff

 

O2 logo

📱O2 Essential Plan - low cost mobile plan

  • Contract length: 30-day rolling contract for 12 months
  • Price: from £10 a month (SIM only)
  • Plan: 10 GB data and unlimited calls and texts
  • How to apply: O2 Essential Plan - SIM Only

 

SMARTY logo

📱SMARTY Social Tariff - SIM only

  • Contract length: 30-day rolling contract for 12 months
  • Price: from £12 a month (SIM only)
  • Plan: Unlimited data, calls and texts
  • How to apply: SMARTY Social Tariff - SIM only

 

VOXI logo

📱VOXI For Now Mobile Social Tariff

  • Contract length: 6 months
  • Price: £10 a month (SIM only) for the first 6 months then you'll be switched over to their standard 20GB plan
  • Plan: Unlimited data, calls and texts
  • How to apply: VOXI For Now Social Tariff - SIM only

Please note: The information above is correct as of 26 June 2025. Prices, eligibility criteria, and availability of social tariffs may change. Always check directly with the provider for the most up-to-date information before applying.

About the author

Digital Everyone

The Digital Everyone project is part of Salford’s aim to become a Digital City, an ambition which forms part of our wider vision for a better, fairer Salford to improve resident’s lives.

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