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UK are struggling with monthly bills as the cost of living crisis sees prices continuing to increase. On top of this, recent research has found that broadband bills are set to increase by 17.3 per cent on average next month. It comes as providers prepare to introduce mid-contract price hikes, likely hitting low-income households the hardest. However, those who receive Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits could be entitled to discounts from broadband providers, reports The Express. Customers will see their bills increase by 17.3 percent, as high as 3.9 percent above the Retail Price Index (RPI) or Consumer Price Index (CPI) rates of inflation, according to Uswitch.com . These changes to contracts are due to be implemented in April 2023 but around 11 million broadband consumers who are out of contract could switch providers to avoid paying more. Read More: Cambs mum arrested on Mother's Day after flagging down
police However, many broadband providers do not give customers the opportunity to leave contracts early penalty-free. In light of this, households are finding themselves trapped in increasingly unaffordable contracts. What are social tariffs? These are deals for cheaper broadband and mobile phone packages for those claiming means-tested benefit payments from the DWP. If a payment is means-tested, someone’s eligibility for it depends on their income, savings and wider financial situation. Examples of popular DWP means-tested benefit payments include Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Social tariff broadband deals are often referred to as “essential” or “basic” packages by providers but are awarded at a much lower price. Here is a full list of the social tariff deals which are currently on offer from broadband providers: Air Broadband Air Support - £20 a month - Various benefits (in and out of work) BT Home Essentials - £15 a month - Various benefits (in and out of work) BT Home Essentials 2 - £20 a month - Various benefits (in and out of work) Community Fibre Essential - £12.50 a month - Open to all Country Connect Social Tariff - £15 a month - Various benefits (in and out of work) EE Basics - £12 a month - Various benefits (in and out of work) NOW Broadband Basics - £20 a month - Universal Credit or Pension Credit Sky Broadband Basics - £20 a month - Universal Credit or Pension Credit Virgin Media Essential Broadband - £12.50 a month - Universal Credit Virgin Media Essential Broadband Plus - £20 a month - Universal Credit Vodafone Essentials Broadband - £12 per month - Various benefits (in and out of work) Ernest Doku, the telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, urged those ineligible for social tariff deals to explore other options in the broadband market if they can leave their contract. He explained: “Millions of mobile and broadband customers are either out of contract or will be soon, and facing the dilemma of whether to recontract before or after the April price rises. “If your contract ends before April, now is the time to explore your options by comparing your current deal with what’s out there. Some providers, such as Hyperoptic and Cuckoo, have also gone one step further and committed to no mid-contract price increases at all, so it’s worth seeing if they cater to your local area.” The consumer expert noted that broadband customers can even remain with their existing broadband provider and haggle for a better price. Mr Doku added: “You could also take the information around competitor prices and speeds back to your current provider and ask for a better deal. “Providers will be keen to hang on to customers, so there’s often room for negotiation if you’re happy with their service - especially if you’re out of contract. Customers who find themselves facing rises should take this opportunity to vote with their feet.” READ NEXT: Every DWP cost of living payment expected in March and April Key reason DWP won't announce cost of living dates in advance New DWP payment rates for Universal Credit and other benefits from April Six mistakes which could lead to Universal Credit being stopped Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow CambridgeLive
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