Social tariffs

A social tariff is a reduced rate for your utilities. You may be able to get a social tariff if you get certain benefits or live on a low income. With the rising cost of living, it’s a good idea to make sure you claim all the social tariffs you can.

Water

All water suppliers in England and Wales have a social tariff. Contact your supplier and ask about theirs. What you can get and who qualifies varies, but most water suppliers will offer a social tariff to you if you get Guarantee Pension Credit. You can find contact details for your water company and what they offer at the Consumer Council for Water. 

If you're struggling to pay your bills, your supplier cannot cut off your water supply. They have to take court action to recover the debt. But it's a good idea to talk to them as soon as possible, because most of them can offer advice and support to help you pay. They may have a hardship fund that can help with your water bills.

Find out more about help you can get on our webpage Water – help with costs.

If you live in Scotland, your water is likely supplied by Scottish Water. It does not currently offer social tariffs, however it does have a Priority Services Register. If you are approved, you would receive priority support if something goes wrong with your water supply. If you get Council Tax Reduction, you could also get discounted water charges – visit Citizens Advice for more information.

Gas and Electric

Social tariffs for energy have been phased out, but there is still help available.

Government schemes

The following schemes offer financial aid to people who are struggling to pay their energy bills:

Each scheme has different eligibility requirements depending on where you live. For more information about each scheme, see our webpage Financial help in cold weather.

For more information about how the government can help with energy costs, see our webpage Extra support with the cost of living if you're on a low income.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service to support people on a low income. To find out if you might be eligible, check the eligibility list. Contact your energy provider to sign up to the PSR. 

In addition to financial assistance, you may be able to get:

  • help such as emergency power during a service interruption
  • extra support from local emergency services
  • information in a format that works best for you – for example, large print or Braille.

Company schemes

Some energy companies offer grants and schemes to support customers on a low income – for example, Octopus Energy offers a scheme called Octopus Assist, which is a fund designed to support customers struggling with their energy bills. Contact your energy company to see if they offer funds to help customers on a low income.

For more information about how to manage your energy bills, visit our webpage Managing your energy bills.

Remember, you cannot have your energy supply cut off between 1 October and 31 March if either:

  • You are over State Pension age
  • You live with someone who is over State Pension age, or
  • You live with a child under the age of 18.

Broadband and mobile packages

If you qualify for a social tariff for your broadband or mobile plan, you’ll pay a reduced monthly bill. You’ll also:

  • pay less for any set up costs
  • be protected from mid-contract price rises
  • avoid any leaving fees.

Usually, if you get a benefit such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, you will be eligible for a social tariff on your broadband and phone packages. Some providers may also offer social tariffs to people receiving Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.

To see if your broadband or phone provider offers social tariffs, ask your provider directly or check the list at Ofcom.org.uk.

Keep in mind that the person receiving the benefit must be the main person on the contract.

Benefits check

If you're experiencing financial hardship, make sure you’re getting all the money you’re entitled to. Use our free benefits calculator or contact our Helpline to arrange to speak to an adviser.

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Next steps

If you're worried about debt, see our webpage Help if you're in debt for advice.

For information about switching providers, visit our webpage Managing your energy bills.

Contact your local Citizens Advice or Citizens Advice Scotland if you need more advice about bills or debt.

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