If you’re struggling to pay your bills, you may be able to get a social tariff, which can reduce the cost of your broadband, mobile and water bills. There are no social tariffs for energy but other support is available. This guide explains who qualifies and helps you compare what's available.
Do I qualify for a social tariff?
Eligibility depends on your provider and your circumstances. It’s always worth checking directly with your provider.
Most providers offer social tariffs to people receiving certain benefits, but some also offer them based on household income, even if you're not receiving benefits.
The most accepted benefit is Universal Credit, but many providers also accept Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits.
Our blog on social tariffs covers a range of common questions, including:
social tariffs explained and eligibility
whether you can get a social tariff if you're working but on benefits
whether switching will affect your credit score
what happens if someone else in your household pays the bill
whether you can keep your tariff if you move home
how long approval usually takes
how to switch if you already have a broadband or phone contract
common problems and how to resolve them.
Not sure what you're entitled to? Use our Benefits calculator to check what support you could get, including social tariffs.
Broadband social tariffs
The table below shows some discounted broadband packages from major providers, along with who qualifies for each.
Your broadband provider may not be listed here. Always check directly with your provider for the most up-to-date deals and eligibility criteria.
| Broadband provider | Monthly cost | Who qualifies? | Find out more about: |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BT |
From £16.50 a month |
Universal Credit, other qualifying benefits |
|
|
Virgin Media |
From £12.50 a month |
Universal Credit, other qualifying benefits |
|
|
Sky |
From £20 a month |
Universal Credit |
|
|
EE |
From £12 a month |
Universal Credit, other qualifying benefits |
Last checked: 20 August 2026.
For a full list of phone social tariffsOpens in a new window visit the Ofcom website.
Mobile social tariffs
Some mobile providers offer discounted SIM-only deals for people on lower incomes or benefits.
The table below shows some current options and who is eligible.
Your mobile provider may not be listed here. Always check directly with your provider for the most up-to-date prices and eligibility criteria.
| Mobile phone provider | Monthly cost | Who qualifies? | Find out more about: |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vodafone |
From £10 a month |
Universal Credit |
|
|
SMARTY |
From £12.50 a month |
Universal Credit |
|
|
EE |
From £10 a month |
Universal Credit |
Last checked: 20 August 2026.
For a full list of mobile social tariffsOpens in a new window visit the Ofcom website.
Water social tariffs
Every water company in England and Wales is required to offer a social tariff, and eligibility is often broader than for broadband or mobile. You may qualify based on income alone, even if you’re not receiving benefits.
Eligibility criteria and the level of discount vary by provider. The table below shows some of the largest providers but contact your water company directly to get full details of what's available in your area.
You can search for your provider’s name along with “social tariff” or “WaterSure” to find out what support is available.
WaterSure is a scheme that caps the water bill of customers who have a water meter and receive income-related benefits, where the household either is a large family or includes a member with a medical condition that requires high water use.
| Water provider | Monthly cost | Who qualifies? | Find out more about: |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thames Water |
Up to 50% off |
Based on income or benefits |
|
|
Severn Trent |
Varies |
Based on income or benefits |
|
|
Anglian Water |
Up to 50% off |
Based on income or benefits |
|
|
United Utilities |
Reduced to between £112.80 and £595.20
£50 annual discount |
Based on income or benefits |
|
|
Yorkshire Water |
Annual bills are capped, depending on individual circumstances, at either £295, £390 or £469. |
Based on income |
Last checked: 20 August 2026.
Find your water company on the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to see what help is availableOpens in a new window
In Scotland, support with water charges is delivered through the Council Tax reduction scheme rather than as a separate social tariff.
In Northern Ireland, households do not pay separate water bills, so water social tariffs are not available.
Energy bill support
There is currently no standard social tariff for gas and electricity.
But support is available, including the Warm Home Discount scheme, which gives eligible households a one-off reduction on their electricity bills each year.
Find out more in our guide How to reduce your energy bills.
How to apply for a social tariff
Once you’ve found a social tariff you may be eligible for, contact your provider directly.
It’s worth doing this even if you’re not sure you qualify. They can confirm your eligibility and tell you about any other support schemes available.
When you apply, your provider may ask for proof of eligibility, such as a benefits award letter or evidence of your household income.
If your application is successful, they will usually switch you to the social tariff automatically and you should see the reduced amount on your next bill.
If you’re struggling to afford more than just your utility bills, free debt and money advice is available. Use our Debt advice locator tool to find free and confidential debt advice online, over the phone or near to where you live.