Social tariffs — cheaper broadband for people on benefits
Major broadband providers offer significantly cheaper deals for people receiving Universal Credit and other qualifying benefits. Around 532,000 UK households currently use them — most eligible people do not know they exist.
- Who it's for
- People claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Income Support. Each provider has its own qualifying list — check directly with them.
- What you get
- Broadband packages from around £12.50–£20 per month with no mid-contract price rises and no exit fees. BT Home Essentials, Virgin Media Essential, Sky Broadband Basics, and Community Fibre all offer versions.
- How to apply
- Check which providers cover your address on the Ofcom page below, confirm your benefit, and contact the provider. You do not need to wait for your current contract to end.
Ofcom: social tariffs guide →
R100 — Reaching 100% broadband
The Scottish Government's £697m programme to bring superfast broadband to every premises in Scotland, including rural and remote areas that commercial providers have not reached. Over 96,000 premises already connected.
- Who it's for
- Households and businesses in areas without superfast broadband (30 Mbps+), particularly rural Scotland. Build is ongoing — your area may not be connected yet.
- What you get
- Superfast broadband infrastructure delivered via Openreach fibre. Build completion expected 2028.
- How to apply
- Check the Scottish Government's broadband pages to see whether your area is included in the programme and what the expected delivery date is.
Note: Some areas are being built now; others are scheduled for later. Check your postcode on the official page.
Scottish Government: R100 broadband roll-out →
UK Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
Vouchers of up to £4,500 to help homes and businesses in rural areas pay for gigabit-capable broadband where commercial providers have not invested. Active Scottish contracts include the Borders, East Lothian, and North East Scotland.
- Who it's for
- Homes and businesses in rural areas not scheduled for a commercial gigabit upgrade and currently receiving less than 1 Gbps. Groups of premises can combine vouchers for larger installations.
- What you get
- Vouchers up to £4,500 for businesses and up to £1,500 for residential premises toward the cost of installation. Verify current amounts on the official page — they change.
- How to apply
- Check eligibility and apply through Building Digital UK. A broadband supplier must be part of the application. Groups of neighbours can apply together.
Note: Some Scottish areas are excluded where public-funded programmes (R100) are already delivering coverage.
Building Digital UK: Gigabit Voucher Scheme →
Connecting Scotland
A Scottish Government programme that provided devices and internet connections to digitally excluded people during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme is currently being redesigned — check the official page for what is currently available.
- Who it's for
- People on low incomes who lack devices or connectivity. The original programme targeted specific groups; the redesigned version may have different eligibility.
- What you get
- Devices and subsidised or free internet connections. Exact offer depends on the current phase of the programme.
- How to apply
- Visit the Connecting Scotland website to check what is currently available and how to apply or be referred.
Note: New applications were paused as the Scottish Government redesigns the programme. Check the official page for current status.
Connecting Scotland →
National Databank — free SIM cards with data
The Good Things Foundation distributes free SIM cards with data, calls, and texts to people who cannot afford to get online. Cards are available through over 1,600 community organisations including libraries, foodbanks, and charities.
- Who it's for
- People experiencing data poverty or on a low income who cannot afford a mobile data plan. Available through local partner organisations — no direct application to the Foundation.
- What you get
- Free SIM cards from Vodafone (40GB/month), O2 (25GB + rollover), and Three (24GB). No contract.
- How to apply
- Ask at your local library, foodbank, or community centre whether they are a National Databank partner. You can also search for partner organisations on the Good Things Foundation website.
Note: New partner organisations were not being accepted at the time we last checked. Existing network partners still distribute SIMs.
Good Things Foundation: National Databank →
Know of a scheme we've missed? Funding programmes come and go. If there's something that should be on this page—local authority schemes, housing association offers, charity programmes—tell us and we'll add it.