Martin Lewis issues bill warning to anyone on Universal Credit – and you can save hundreds of pounds

MARTIN Lewis has issued a warning to anyone on Universal Credit who could be missing out on cheap broadband deals.

The MoneySavingExpert (MSE) founder reminded those on low incomes that they might be able to apply for a social tariff.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Martin responded to a viewer called Laurie who got in touch to say that her broadband bill had risen unexpectedly.

The 66-year-old, who was also disabled and on benefits, said her bill has risen to £27.41 “with no letters or correspondence”.

Martin explained that the average broadband bill rose by nearly 14% for the majority of households at the beginning of April.

But because the viewer claims benefits, Martin said she could move onto a social tariff.

He said: “You would normally be entitled to a social tariff, which will cost you between £10 and £20 a month and is a long-term cheap tariff. Almost all companies offer them.”

Four million people are missing out on the deals and could see their broadband bills decrease to just £12 a month if they apply.

MSE previously said that for those on a range of benefits, there are more than 10 social tariffs up for grabs, which give you long-term cheap prices.

Those who make the switch could save hundreds of pounds a year.

In August, The Sun called on the government, regulator Ofcom and suppliers to do more to support struggling customers. 

We launched a tool with cost of living champions Nous to help highlight how much customers could save. 

Ofcom has a list on its website of all the providers that offer the tariffs too.

You’ll have to check each telecom provider to see how to apply – you’ll often have to do this online or over the phone.

Be aware that some suppliers may charge you a penalty if you leave a tariff mid-contract.

Always remember that the exact amount you’ll save by switching will depend on how much you were paying for your broadband before.

Here’s a full list of firms offering social tariffs and their eligibility requirements.

BT

BT offers customers on selected benefits a low-cost 12-month contract costing £15 a month.

Average broadband speeds for the tariff are rated at 36Mb. You can check to see if your home is BT-ready by using the firm’s postcode checker on its website.

You’ll need to be in receipt of the following benefits to be eligible:

• Universal Credit
• Pension credit (guarantee credit)
• Employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker’s allowance
• Income support

Customers can also get faster speeds with the BT Home Essentials 2 tariff which costs £20 a month.

Check if you’re eligible on BT’s website.

Now

Now’s Broadband Basics package is open to all those who receive Universal Credit and pension credit.

You can grab a 36Mbps contract for £20 a month on a 30-day rolling basis.

If you’re interested in the package you’ll need to ring Now on 0333 759 5056.

Sky

Like Now, those receiving Universal Credit and pension credit are eligible for Sky’s social broadband tariff – dubbed Broadband Basics.

It’ll set you back £20 a month over an 18-month term and it’ll give you speeds up to 36Mbps.

To check if you’re eligible and to apply for the tariff you’ll need to call Sky on 0333 759 3898.

Virgin Media

Virgin’s social broadband package costs just £12.50 a month on a 30-day rolling basis.

Anyone receiving one of the following state benefits can get the service:

• Income-based employment support allowance (I-ESA)
• Income-based jobseekers allowance (I-JSA)
• Income support
• Pension credit
• Universal Credit

If you want to subscribe to an Essential broadband package, you will need to provide your full name, postcode and date of birth, and confirm your consent to Virgin Media to perform an eligibility check.

Visit the Virgin Media website and sign up through the live chat function.

Vodafone

Vodafone’s Essentials Broadband costs just £12 a month and comes with 38Mbps download speeds.

Anyone receiving one of the following state benefits can get the service:

• Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
• Universal Credit
• Employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Disability living allowance (DLA)
• Personal independence payment (PIP)

Existing Vodafone customers that have been identified as financially vulnerable can also get the service.

Visit the Vodafone UK website to sign up for Vodafone Essentials Broadband.

Alternatively, you can visit a Vodafone store or call the customer service team on 0333 304 0191.

Hyperoptic

Customers living in several of the UK’s biggest cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow are able to take advantage of Hyperoptic’s Fair Fibre plans.

The firm offers four social broadband tariffs priced between £15 and £28 a month and covering speeds between 50Mbs and 150Mbs.

The contracts are also set up on a 30-day rolling basis which means you can cancel the contract with more flexibility than other longer tariffs.

To be eligible you’ll need to be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Pension credit (guarantee credit)
• Employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker’s allowance
• Income support
• Personal independence payments (PIP)
• Care leavers support

You can apply over the phone by calling 0333 920 9747 or emailing support@hyperoptic.com.

Do any other firms offer social tariffs?

A number of other smaller regions firms offer social broadband tariffs.

You’ll have to check directly to see if your region is eligible.

The total amount you’ll save will also vary depending on which provider you switch to.

Community Fibre Essential

• £12.50 a month
• 20 Mbit/s speed

Country Connect Social Tariff

• £15 a month
• 50 Mbit/s speed

G. Network Essential Fibre Broadband

• £15 a month
• 50 Mbit/s speed

Grayshott Gigabit Connect

• £20 a month
• 100 Mbit/s speed

KCOM

• £14.99 a month
• 30 Mbit/s speed

Lightning Fibre Social Tariff

• £15 a month
• 50 Mbits/s speed

Lothian Broadband Social Tariff

• £19.99 a month
• 100 Mbits/s speed

Wildanet Helping Hand Social Tariff

• £20 a month
• 30-100 Mbits/s speed

WightFibre Essential Broadband

• £16.50 a month
• 100 Mbits/s speed

4th Utility Social Tariff

• £13.99 a month
• 30 Mbits/s speed

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk