DWP announces major change to help Universal Credit claimants get cheaper broadband

Universal Credit claimants could see their broadband bills cut under a new government scheme aimed at increasing the number of people making use of 'social tariffs'.

The government has called on all broadband providers to offer and promote social tariffs, which give struggling families on certain benefits discounted broadband and mobile deals. According to the government, customers on social tariffs could in some cases save over a hundred pounds a year.

The latest figures show that while many providers already offer the tariffs, the take-up rate is low with just 1.2 per cent of eligible households applying.

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Under the current system, claimants have to prove their entitlement as often as every month through methods such as sending screenshots of their Universal Credit account to their broadband provider or by providing a letter from the Jobcentre. But now, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching a new service which will allow internet service providers to verify, with the customer's permission, if they are receiving any relevant benefit which would make them eligible for extra support.

Virgin Media O2 has said it will support the scheme following discussions with the government, announcing over the weekend that it will use the system to verify eligible customers who sign up for their Essential Broadband Tariff. The company also intends to waive early termination fees for customers who want to move from their existing tariffs.

Cost of Living Business Tsar, David Buttress, said: " Times are tough and families across the country are feeling the pinch, so we’re making it easier