Around one million people cut off their broadband in the last year as the cost-of-living crisis left them unable to afford internet access, according to new research from Citizens Advice.
People on Universal Credit were more than six times as likely to have disconnected compared to people not claiming Universal Credit.
The charity warns this increasingly essential service is becoming out of reach for many and fears this problem could get worse.
Rob has been living in shared accommodation for the past 13 years and has only had internet access for the last 10 months after he received a prepaid service from his local council.
The prepaid service is due to run out in July and will not be extended.
The 63-year-old said: “Not having the internet affects me enormously; from not being able to apply for jobs, to my social life and my mental health, because I feel very isolated.
“I haven’t had access to the internet in the past mainly because I am unable to afford the cost of broadband.
“It’s more difficult to enjoy any aspect of life since the cost-of-living crisis and certainly the internet is something that’s out of my reach.”
Rob explained he hadn’t heard of social tariffs and did not know he could be saving £200 a year with them.
Universal Credit claimants are among customers who should be eligible for discounted social tariffs to help them stay connected.
The latest figures from Ofcom show 95 percent of the 4.3 million eligible households are missing out on saving £200 on broadband costs each year. That is £824 million of support going unclaimed.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “People are being priced out of internet access at a worrying rate.
“Social tariffs should be the industry’s safety net, but firms’ current approach to providing and promoting them clearly isn’t working. The people losing out, as a result, are the most likely to disconnect.
“The internet is now an essential part of our lives – vital to managing bills, accessing benefits and staying in touch with loved ones.
“As providers continue to drag their feet in making social tariffs a success, it’s clear that Ofcom needs to hold firms’ feet to the fire.”
For more information, Britons can visit the Citizens Advice website how to check if they’re eligible for broadband social tariffs.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.
Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband and they’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
If an individual or someone in their household claims Universal Credit, they could switch to any of the tariffs available.
All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support. Some providers might include additional benefits, like Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance.
The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.
Britons can apply for most tariffs online, or call their provider and ask to switch.
