Millions choosing between broadband and food – how social tariffs could help

The internet is becoming increasingly essential in our daily lives, yet many struggling households are now forced to choose between paying for broadband or buying food due to the rising cost of living. 

The Digital Poverty Alliance, which is pushing to end digital poverty by 2030, warns that millions of people in the UK are at risk of fewer opportunities and isolation because they don’t have access to reliable internet. 

Data shows a huge gap between those who can afford broadband and those who can’t. 

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, says broadband should be seen as essential, just like healthcare and education.  

But without affordable options, many families are left behind, especially in rural areas. 

“Having access to broadband is all well and good, but there must be a base level of affordability, reliability and connectivity as part of that to ensure that all UK citizens are able to get online,” says Anderson.  

Choosing between broadband and food  

Many families are facing a real choice – keep Wi-Fi or buy food.  

In 2023, digital inclusion experts in Leeds revealed that many in low-income areas are choosing food over internet access, putting them at risk of being disadvantaged. 

What is the digital divide?  

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology and the internet and those who don’t. It’s caused by things like: 

• high costs for devices and internet services 

• lack of skills to use technology 

• limited access to broadband in rural areas 

What are the consequences of a digital divide? 

If you don’t have reliable internet, it can cause serious problems, including:  

• Isolation: You can feel disconnected from friends, family, and services. 

• Falling behind on education: Kids and adults can miss out on online learning opportunities. 

• Fewer job opportunities: Finding work becomes much harder without the internet as many jobs are now found online 

• Social inequality: The digital divide can make it harder for some to succeed. 

Social tariffs: how can they help you?  

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband deals for people on certain benefits that can save you up to £234 a year (about £20 per month).  

But 95% of eligible households are not using them, according to Policy in Practice, a social policy analytics company.  

Here’s what you get with a social tariff: 

• Discounted prices  – Packages cost between £10 and £23 per month, cheaper than regular broadband. 

• Fast speeds  – Most tariffs offer fast, unlimited broadband, enough for streaming, shopping, and staying in touch. 

• Low setup costs  – Most providers offer low or no setup fees. 

• Fixed prices  – Your price won’t go up during the contract. 

• Costs nothing to switch – If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge. 

• Costs nothing to leave  – You won't pay a fee to leave before the end of your contract. 

Do I qualify for social tariffs? 

Social tariff broadband is typically available if you’re on any of the following benefits:   

• universal credit 

• pension credit 

• employment and support allowance (ESA) 

• jobseeker’s allowance 

• income support  

Some providers include additional benefits, such as personal independence payment (PIP) and attendance allowance, as part of their social tariffs. 

The person receiving the benefits needs to be the main person on the contract.  

How to apply for social tariffs 

• Check if you qualify. If you or someone in your household claims universal credit, pension credit, or other benefits, you may be eligible. 

• Switching is easy. If your current provider offers a social tariff, just contact them and switch. 

• Compare providers. If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, switch to one that does, without penalty fees. 

Offers change all the time. Providers with social tariff schemes include well-known names such as BT, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone, as well as a range of smaller businesses, with some contracts starting from as little as £10 a month.  

What if you’re not eligible? 

If you’re not eligible for a social tariff, talk to your provider as they may offer you a discount or flexible payment options.  

It might also be worth comparing broadband deals to see if you can get a better price elsewhere. 

Need financial help?   

If you’re finding it hard to cover your bills or essentials, we’re here to help.  

We give advice online or you can give us a ring. We can help get you get back on track by creating a realistic budget, checking you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to or talking you through some debt solutions that might be suitable for you.  

All our advice is free. Some debt solutions are free and others have a fee.  

There’s lots of useful information on our website too.