THERE’S a little-known scheme that can give you free broadband for six months.
Jobseekers on Universal Credit can claim six months of TalkTalk’s Fibre35 broadband for free.
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The scheme is part of TalkTalk’s Flexible Support Fund and gives those on a low-income a no-contract voucher which they can use to get free broadband.
It was launched in September 2022 by TalkTalk and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help bolster internet access for people on benefits and looking for work.
You must be claiming Universal Credit and have a work coach through the Job Centre to qualify.
To apply, you can contact your local JobCentre for a DWP referral code.
You may have already been sent an email saying you’re eligible anyway, so do check your inbox.
At the end of the six-month period, customers can choose to roll onto a TalkTalk contract or cancel the service.
If you choose to cancel, there’ll be no additional costs and no sign-up fees if you choose to stay on.
Fibre35 gives average speeds of 38Mbs and usually costs £26 a month on a 18-month contract, plus a £10 postage charge.
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Bear in mind that the offer does not come with TalkTalk TV or calls.
How else can I save on my broadband?
If you don’t qualify for the free six-months but are on a low-income or other benefits, you may be able to get a social tariff.
Applying for a social tariff changes depending on who you are signing up with.
Providers offer different packages, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deals.
You can check other prices on the market by using comparison websites such as moneysupermarket.com or Uswitch.
For example, BT offers two different packages with different speeds – one is £15 a month and another is £20 a month.
Meanwhile, NOW offers a social broadband package for £20. Plus, Vodafone’s Essentials broadband deal is £12.
Some of the benefits that qualify you for a social tariff include: Universal Credit, Employment and support allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
But each provider has its own eligibility criteria, so bear that in mind when searching around for deals.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, The Sun has come up with an easy tool to help you check.
It’s also worth trying to haggle with your current provider.
If you aren’t able to get a social tariff or TalkTalk voucher, give your provider a call and see what they can do.
You can also use comparison sites like ComparetheMarket.com to see if you can get a cheaper deal.
If so, you could switch to a different provider.
Of course, make sure you know whether you’re in or out of contract as if you don’t want to be faced with any hefty exit fees.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
