SINGLE mum-of-two Gina Hackett is one of millions of people who can slash their broadband bill and save hundreds of pounds.
Like millions of people across the UK, Gina is eligible for a so-called social broadband tariff.
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These are cheaper broadband and phone deals offered by some providers to people on certain benefits.
But most people don’t realise these deals are available – it’s estimated that just 55,000 of the 4.2million people who qualify are making use of the saving.
Gina, 43, needs the internet to job hunt and said it’s impossible to do this at her local library as it is only open three days a week and doesn’t always have computers available to use.
Gina, from Derby, is on Universal Credit and discovered she could slash her monthly broadband bill from £40 to £15 a month by switching to BT‘s Essentials tariff.
The move has saved her £300 a year on her bill.
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She said: “People on Universal Credit, like me, need to be able to get online in order to search for jobs, as well as to keep in touch with their work coach and update their journal.
“If I don’t do this or I miss an appointment, I’ll get my benefits cut.”
Gina, who is mum to 12-year-old Malcolm and her older son Paul, who is at university, posted online to share the deal she had snagged with others.
“I was shocked to find how many people who were eligible for social tariffs commented saying they didn’t know about them,” she said.
“Everyone should be told about the discounts when they make a benefit claim or when they take out a new broadband or phone deal.
“It should be much easier to apply online and you shouldn’t need to phone up and ask about it.”
How to find a social tariff?
How you apply for a social tariff will vary depending on the provider.
BT and Virgin let you sign up online, but with Sky and Now, you’ll need to call.
The deals on offer will vary too including the price and speeds available. With some providers you’ll need to be an existing customer to qualify.
TalkTalk offers six months broadband for free for those on jobseeker’s allowance.
BT and Virgin Media have social tariffs for just £15 a month – the latter’s has a 30-day rolling contract, so you’re not tied in.
Now Broadband also has a rolling contract – it charges £20 a month.
Sky charges £20 a month – the deal is for 18 months, so you may need to pay an exit fee to get out early.
Before you sign up for any of the social tariff, check whether you could get a better deal elsewhere by using a comparison website such as Moneysupermarket.com or Uswitch.
Do I qualify for a social tariff?
To qualify for a social tariff you’ll typically need to be in receipt of certain benefits including Universal Credit, Employment and support allowance, the “guarantee credit” element of pension credit, Income support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, The Sun has come up with an easy tool in partnership with Nous to help you check.
Visit nous.co/thesun to find out whether you qualify for cheaper broadband in just two minutes.
You’ll need to share some basic information about your households and give permission for your bank to share details of your broadband spending and whether you receive benefits.
Another benefit of a social tariff is that providers have promised they will not raise prices mid-contract, giving you certainty over your bills.
