Water, phone, and broadband providers are prepared to offer discounted rates on bills to millions of customers.
Social tariffs—also referred to as essential or basic tariffs—can lower expenses for individuals receiving various benefits. Typically, all you need to do is contact your provider to enroll.
Crucially, these are not promotional offers meant to lure customers; rather, they provide reduced charges for the same service to those who might otherwise have difficulty paying.
A major report suggests that most people who have fallen behind on their payments are unaware that this assistance exists.
These tariffs differ among suppliers, and the reduced cost is often offset by higher charges for other customers.
Signing up requires you to reach out to your provider and submit some proof, but this process is relatively quick.
How to secure reduced water, broadband, and phone bills
If your name is on the contract and you receive benefits like universal credit or pension credit, companies may be able to offer you a discounted plan.
For broadband and phone contracts, the regulator Ofcom maintains a list of social tariffs offered by providers.
If yours is on that list and you qualify, you can switch at no cost, and leaving the contract will also be free of charge.
For water bills, every supplier in England and Wales provides a social tariff, though eligibility and the amount of support vary. The consumer group for water customers has a list available.
To apply, you generally need to provide some verification, such as details of the benefits you receive.
Scottish Water does not have a social tariff, but other options exist. In Northern Ireland, assistance is provided through the Community Care Register.
Energy bill discounts
Social tariffs are not offered for household gas and electricity bills, despite pressure from some, including regulator Ofgem, to introduce them.
Instead, providers offer a range of support programs if you are struggling to pay or expect to have difficulty.
The sector's trade body, Energy UK, maintains a list of these programs. However, it emphasizes that companies can often only help if you contact your provider to inform them you cannot pay.
Free debt charities, such as Citizens Advice, are highly experienced in assisting people and can offer independent guidance.
But it is wise to stay vigilant about scams—some criminals may try to exploit the situation by sending messages and emails that appear official. Never respond to such unsolicited communications.