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<p>Social tariffs are high-quality, low-cost broadband and mobile offers for those
in receipt of Universal Credit as well as other means-tested benefits. Offered by
a range of providers - including BT, Virgin Media, Sky and Vodafone - social tariffs
are available in 99% of the UK starting at £10 per month.</p><p>Eligibility criteria
for social tariffs are set by individual providers. While these vary, Universal Credit
is a key eligibility criteria, and a significant number also include other means-tested
benefits such as Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance,
Income Support, Personal Independence Payments or Attendance Allowance. We do not
hold data on the number of people ineligible for a social tariff with any of the 19
individual providers.</p><p>However, in June 2022, following our negotiations, the
major broadband and mobile operators agreed a set of public commitments to support
any customer struggling to pay their bills, not just those on benefits. This includes
management payment plans or allowing households, who may be mid-contract, to switch
to cheaper packages without penalty. We have also been clear with operators that we
expect those unable to match a competitor’s social tariff to allow customers to leave
- without penalty - so that they may take up that offer.</p><p>In regards to whether
social tariffs overwrite existing contracts, it is our understanding that when any
customer agrees a new service with their provider - including a social tariff - their
existing contract is replaced.</p>
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