16 January 2023 , 00:01
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Sky customers on low incomes will get easier access to cheaper broadband after the telecoms giant signed up to a new Government scheme.
The TV, mobile and internet provider has joined the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Social Tariff scheme, which makes it easier to identity people on benefits
Many companies offer cheaper broadband deals, known as social tariffs, for people on low-incomes - but customers have to prove their entitlement, sometimes as often as every month.
The Social Tariff scheme means people do not need to keep showing they are in receipt of benefits.
Introduced last summer, the scheme lets internet service providers – with customers’ permission – ask the DWP whether they are claiming benefits.
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Sky offers a £20 social broadband tariff (PR Supplied)Sky and its subsidiary brand NOW are the only national providers currently signed up and live with scheme, although another provider called WightFibre piloted the checker last year.
The Government claims switching to a social tariff could save you up to £180 a year - but many people don't realise these deals exist.
Prices start from £12 a month with Vodafone - but you might also be able to get six months free if you're a jobseeker through TalkTalk.
Sky and NOW offer a social broadband tariff that costs £20 a month. See the full list of social tariff providers below.
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies said: “It’s positive to see a major provider, such as Sky, sign up to our scheme, making it easier for families to access cheaper broadband and mobile tariffs in difficult times, and I call on other providers to follow suit in offering this type of tariff for those in need.
“Claimants who think they might be eligible for one of these tariffs, should contact their provider.
“This is just one of the ways we are working to help households during these tough times as part of the government’s £37billion support package for those most in need.
“Do use the DWP benefits calculator, which is a helpful tool for those looking to see if they could access wider support.”
Stephen van Rooyen, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Sky, UK & Europe, said: “We know how important connectivity is to our customers, which is why we are focussed on ways we can support them to stay online.
“As well as support with bills, we also provide existing, eligible customers with a broadband and mobile social tariff, helping them stay connected for a significantly reduced cost.
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“The Department for Work and Pensions eligibility tool is a useful step forward, enabling us to more easily confirm eligibility.”
Full list of all the 'social tariffs'
As well as "social tariffs" normally being cheaper than standard deals, they also normally don't come with any exit fees.
It is worth checking what is available in your area. If you're interested in one of the below tariffs, visit the main company website to check the eligibility criteria.
Here is a full breakdown of all the providers offering them. Prices are right at the time of publication:
- Air Broadband Support - £20 (100Mbps)
- BT Home Essentials - £15 (36Mbps)
- BT Home Essentials - £20 (67Mbps)
- Community Fibre - £12.50 (20Mbps)
- Country Connect Social Tariff - £15 (50Mbps)
- G.Network Essential Fibre- £15 (50Mbps)
- Hyperoptic Fair Fibre - £15 (50Mbps)
- Hyperoptic Fair Fibre - £20 (150Mbps)
- KCOM Full Fibre Flex - £19.99 (30Mbps)
- Lightning Fibre - £15 (50Mbps)
- NOW Basics - £20 (36Mbps)
- Sky Basics - £20 (36Mbps)
- TalkTalk - FREE for six months (38Mbps)
- Virgin Media Essential - £12.50 (15Mbps)
- Virgin Media Essential - £20 (54Mbps)
- Vodafone Essentials - £12 (38Mbps)