Millions of households on benefits are missing out on cheaper deals for water, broadband and phone services, and campaigners say the savings can run into hundreds of pounds a year.
According to the BBC, lower social tariffs are offered by many providers to customers who claim certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance. The discounts are not always advertised, so families often pay full price without realising a cheaper rate exists.
On broadband, social tariffs from providers including BT, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone typically cost between £12 and £20 a month. That compares with average standard packages that can run past £30, leaving an annual saving of roughly £150 to £200 for switching households.
Water companies run their own schemes too. WaterSure caps bills for low-income customers with high essential usage, while suppliers such as Thames Water, Severn Trent and Anglian Water offer separate social tariffs that can cut bills by between 15 and 90 per cent depending on income and circumstances.
Mobile phone deals are also available through firms including EE, O2 and Smarty, with monthly prices starting at around £10 for unlimited calls and a generous data allowance. Customers can usually switch without paying an exit fee if they are moving onto a social tariff.
The catch is that take-up remains low. Ofcom figures cited by the BBC suggest only a small fraction of eligible households have signed up to a broadband social tariff, despite around four million families being entitled to one.
Citizens Advice recommends checking eligibility directly with each provider, as the qualifying benefits and proof required vary. Households can keep their existing phone number and broadband line when switching, and the change usually takes a few working days.
With food, energy and rent still squeezing budgets across the country, charities say the schemes are one of the simplest ways for struggling families to claw back cash without changing their daily habits.