People on Universal Credit and other benefits will be able to get a broadband and phone package at a much lower rate from today.
BT has launched a new Home Essentials Broadband plan which offers anyone on Universal Credit or Pension Credit access to the internet for just £15 per month.
People on Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support and Employment Support Allowance are also eligible for the deal - reports the Daily Record.
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It's much cheaper than BT's standard tariffs and users only need to sign up for 12 months rather than the usual 18 months, with no early exit fees.
BT Home Essentials will be available exclusively to those on Universal Credit and a range of other means-tested legacy benefits.
Here's everything you need to know about the new deal.
What is the BT Home Essentials package?
BT Home Essentials is a separate and improved social tariff compared to BT’s initial version, BT Basic, which launched in 2008.
Home Essentials provides an average of 36 Mbps download speeds and 700 minutes of calls for £15 a month, around half the price of a standard fibre broadband and calls package.
Alternatively, eligible customers can also opt for average speeds of 67 Mbps and unlimited calls for £20 per month.
The lowest price equivalent standard BT broadband package costs £32.99 a month, with an additional £15 for the unlimited calls plan - this means BT Home Essentials customers choosing the £20 option can save over £330 a year.
Who is eligible for the BT Home Essentials package?
BT Home Essentials is only for eligible customers which includes people receiving:
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Universal Credit
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Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income Support
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
How to apply
To apply, BT says users simply need to enter their postcode, choose a plan then check that they are eligible via their National Insurance number.
Once accepted they will pay the discounted rate.
After 12 months, BT will run another eligibility check. If a customer still qualifies, the firm keeps them on the same plan for another year.
Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman, said: “In today's digital world, everyone should be able to access fast, reliable and affordable internet, so I'm thrilled that BT is the latest provider to launch new deals for low income households.
“We have been working with internet providers to offer affordable broadband tariffs for those struggling with bills to help the UK build back fairer from the pandemic. I hope to see others taking similar action soon.”
