Social tariffs are discounts on broadband, energy, mobile phone contracts, and even water bills.

The UK government and Ofcom introduced the social tariff system in 2021, but it has only become more widely known recently.

In the case of BT, the plan is called the Home Essentials plan. Thankfully, several broadband providers offer a unique, less expensive plan for households eligible for the social tariff discount.

Who do social tariffs serve?

You may be eligible for a monthly utility discount if you receive benefits (such as Universal Credit or several others). The Social Tariff system is relatively new, and few people in the UK know it; it was recently revealed that only 2% of eligible households receive any Social Tariff. It was designed to provide some financial relief to those households most severely affected by the cost of living crisis.

Social tariff discounts on broadband are distinct from discounts on water bills. The majority of broadband providers only verify that you receive benefits. They do not, for instance, verify your total household income (like water companies do). Therefore, you need to receive a benefit, and your household income is meagre to qualify for BT’s Home Essentials package.

BT has pioneered the Home Essentials plan, which is immediately available throughout the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, BT’s verification checks are nearly instantaneous, so there is no need to call or wait.

Why is BT Home Essentials less expensive?

Don’t worry; you will not receive the same service or download speeds as other full-price customers. The Social Tariff system is intended to provide a budget-friendly means of acquiring broadband. It is intended only for financially struggling households. However, the product is identical to what you would receive if you paid the total price. It utilises the same “network,” and you will not be penalised for using it.

You can’t expect fibre optic speeds for £15 per month, but if you only need standard broadband, it’s a great way to save up to £144 per year with minimal effort.

How do I get BT Home Essentials?

Unlike most internet providers, BT instantly verifies your eligibility and status with the DWP. Therefore, BT is an excellent option if you are in a hurry to get set up due to its prompt application processing.

Do I qualify for BT Home Essentials? 

To qualify for the social tariff discount, you (the primary billpayer) must receive ONE of the following:

  • Universal Benefits (UC)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Pension Credit (PC) (ESA)
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • If you receive an additional benefit not listed here, such as PIP or Carer’s Allowance, BT regrettably does not accept it.

BT informs JSA recipients that there are additional eligibility requirements to be aware of:

  • You must receive Jobseeker’s Allowance based on income to qualify for Home Essentials. People receiving JSA based solely on contributions are ineligible. If you receive both contribution- and income-based JSA, your contribution-based JSA must be more outstanding.