If you live in a care home then you could be entitled to a cheaper internet package in the form of a social broadband tariff. A social tariff is an exclusive price plan offered by many UK internet providers, which allows those who are on a low income to have access to the vital information and entertainment services that the internet can provide.
Typically, these social broadband tariffs are offered to those who are in receipt of certain benefits, such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance (JLA)
- Housing Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
However, there is one provider, called KCOM who have extended their social broadband tariff to cover those who live in care homes. So if you live in a care home then you can benefit from KCOM’s social broadband tariff that offers the same great service but at a much more affordable price.
KCOM Social broadband tariff for care home residents
KCOM are quite a small player in the world of broadband providers, but don’t let that put you off. If you live in a care home in or around Hull and East Yorkshire, then you may be able to sign up to KCOM and take advantage of their social broadband tariff.
The name of the social broadband tariff that KCOM offer is Flex. KCOM Flex offers 30Mbps Lightstream Full Fibre broadband for just £14.99 per month, all on a rolling 30-day contract. This means that if you live in a care home you can get great speeds at an even better price, and all without the financial commitment to a 12, 18 or 24-month contract.
To qualify for the KCOM social broadband tariff you will need to claim one of the following benefits or meet the eligibility criteria below.
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Housing Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Care home residents and Lifeline customers who are referred to us via Social Services
- Care Leavers
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
All you have to do to benefit from the KCOM social broadband tariff is visit this part of their website and sign up. From there you’ll be able to liaise with KCOM directly and provide them with proof that you live in a care home.
Live in a care home but can’t get KCOM?
Although KCOM are the only broadband provider that explicitly states that people living in care homes are eligible for their social broadband tariff, there is another way to take advantage of a social broadband tariff from an alternative provider if you live in a care home.
Social Broadband Tariff and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Many care home residents claim benefits for any disabilities that they might have. Personal Independence Payment is one of the most common benefits paid out to those in care homes. It is designed to provide financial aid when you have a disability. There are several broadband providers who will offer their social tariff to anyone who claims Personal Independence Payment. At the time of writing these are:
- Community Fibre
- Hyperoptic
- KCOM
- Vodafone
To find out more about the tariffs that these providers offer to PIP claimants, visit this page for more details.