Martin Lewis has helped one fan slash £500 a year off their broadband bill after learning that they could switch to a social tariff because they receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and selected other benefits. While they are delivered in the same way as normal packages, they are typically priced between £10 and £20 a month and can help struggling households make big savings amid the cost of living crisis.
Martin urged those who may be eligible to check whether they could be getting their broadband for less, writing on Twitter: "Are you one of millions missing out on a cheaper social tariff broadband? Our MSE broadband unbundled tool includes them alongside the best open market deals so you can compare. Please share to those on Universal Credit or similar."
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One person replied to the tweet thanking Martin for the helpful tip, writing: "I followed your advice and save myself £500/year. A huge amount as I'm on PIP and unable to work, unfortunately. Thank you so much. (My broadband was £55/month and is now £12/month."
Martin's MoneySavingExpert website also has a breakdown of what providers including TalkTalk, BT, Virgin Media and Sky offer by way of social tariffs. The experts advised that standard tariffs often have cheaper headline prices due to offering discounts as sign-up incentives for new customers, so may be more suitable for regular switchers, but added if you want to stick with one provider for more than a year then social tariffs are likely to be cheaper if you're eligible.
TalkTalk offers six months of free broadband for jobseekers on Universal Credit who don't have an internet connection, with eligibility determined by Jobcentre staff. BT offers 36Mb speed broadband for £15 per month for those on either Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element), Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
Virgin Media offers 15Mb speed broadband for £12.50 a month - to qualify, you need to be living in an area covered by Virgin and be receiving Universal Credit. And Sky offers existing customers on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Employment Support Allowance, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support a 36Mb speed broadband package for £20 a month.
There are several smaller providers outside of the 'big four' offering cheaper social tariffs for benefit claimants, so it's worth shopping around for the best deal for you, Martin advised. You can find more information about the different deals available on the MoneySavingExpert website, and you can read more about social tariffs from regulator Ofcom.
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