We know that looking for affordable broadband and phone deals for pensioners can feel overwhelming. However, don’t let complicated packages or high prices put you off.

We want you to know about the cheapest broadband deals for pensioners, designed specifically for people on low incomes. These deals typically cost between £10 to £23 per month. That’s real savings compared to standard broadband packages.

For example, if you’re receiving Pension Credit, you could get discounted broadband starting at just £12.50 a month. Plus, most packages come with unlimited data – so you don’t need to worry about how much internet you use.

From basic broadband packages to special social tariffs, we’ll help you find the right deal that fits your budget.

Let’s get started if you’re ready to save money while staying connected.

Choose the Package That Fits Your Needs

We offer different types of packages because everyone uses broadband differently. Here’s what’s available to help you stay connected.

Basic Broadband

Basic broadband is perfect if you use the internet for essentials like email, browsing, and online banking.

For instance, Virgin Media provides basic packages with speeds up to 150 Mbps – that’s plenty for everyday online activities. These no-frills options give you what you need without paying for extras you won’t use.

Broadband Plus Landline

By the same token, many providers understand you may wish to keep your landline.

Most broadband packages include line rental for a landline phone – usually because the line is necessary for internet access. TalkTalk offers part-fibre broadband with a landline service, so you get both under one provider.

These Broadband and Phone Deals bundle typically include:

Voicemail and call waiting
Inclusive call plans
Predictable monthly bills

An inclusive call plan works well if you use the phone regularly – no surprise charges for individual calls.

Add TV to Your Package

Broadband and TV bundles combine internet with television channels, offering good value if you watch TV regularly.

TalkTalk lets you add TalkTalk TV to your internet plan. You can get Freeview and subscription services like Prime Video, NOW, and Disney+.

These packages appeal if you currently pay separate providers for broadband and TV. Combining them often costs less overall. Only worth it if you actually use the TV services included.

Complete Bundles – Broadband and Phone Deals

All-in-one bundles include broadband, TV, and phone in a single package.

Virgin Media offers comprehensive bundles with superfast broadband, TV box, and home phone service. This may be more expensive than simpler options, but cost-effective if you use all three services.

Main advantages:

One monthly bill for everything
Potential savings versus separate services
Single provider for customer support

Social tariff broadband offers special phone and broadband deals for pensioners. This is for people claiming certain benefits, including Pension Credit.

Virgin Media provides social tariff broadband at £12.50 a month for pensioners on Pension Credit. BT has Home Essentials for Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) recipients.

Similarly, other providers with social tariffs include Sky, NOW, Vodafone, and Hyperoptic. Prices typically range from £12.50 to £20 per month.

However, here’s what’s concerning: Ofcom found 4.3 million households could qualify, but only 220,000 (5%) have signed up. That means millions miss out on average annual savings of £200 each.

At the same time, getting these rates is straightforward. You’ll need proof Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits. Apply online or call your provider directly to switch and ensure you don’t let savings like this pass you by.

Choose Your Perfect Broadband Package

Finding the right broadband and phone deals for pensioners doesn’t need to be complicated. We want you to get exactly what you need without paying for extras you won’t use.

Work Out What You Actually Need

Essentially, your internet habits determine the right broadband speed for you. Checking emails, browsing websites, or making the odd video call means a basic package with speeds between 10-30Mbps should do the job. If you stream HD films regularly or make lots of video calls, you’ll want something faster – around 50Mbps or more.

Generally speaking, here’s what different speeds give you:

10-15Mbps: Basic browsing, emails, and low-resolution videos
15-50Mbps: HD streaming and managing a few smart devices
50-100Mbps: 4K streaming on one or two devices and online gaming
100Mbps+: Multiple 4K streams and numerous smart devices

Don’t forget – advertised speeds aren’t always what you get. Your connection might drop to half the expected speed during busy times. Bear in mind, if you live with a partner, you’ll likely need faster speeds than living alone.

Contract Length – Get What Suits You

Most broadband contracts run for 12 and 24 months. Think carefully about this timeframe before you sign up. As a rule, if you leave early you may face hefty charges based on your remaining months.

In contrast, shorter plans exist but cost more each month.

Some providers have month-to-month contracts that are more flexible. However, these usually cost more because they provide less security to the provider.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

The monthly price isn’t everything. Look for additional costs that might catch you out later. Many broadband deals include upfront charges for equipment, delivery, or installation. Standard or fibre broadband might need a telephone line installed if you don’t have one – and that costs extra.

Annual price increases are common too, even during your contract. Still, if your service provider raises prices that were not in your original contract, you can cancel without any charge within 30 days.

Customer Support Matters

You’ll need help at some point – technical problems or billing questions happen. Research your provider’s reputation for customer service quality and reliability before you commit.

Some people prefer phone support where you speak to someone directly. Others want quick email responses. Think about what matters most to you.

Ofcom breaks down customer service quality across providers – use this when you’re researching. Read current customer reviews on TrustPilot too because real experiences tell you what to expect.

The right cheap broadband for pensioners isn’t always the cheapest option. It’s the one that gives you the best balance of features, reliability, and value for what you actually need.

Best TV and Broadband Packages for Pensioners

Image Source: Citizens Advice

All in all, social tariffs have become a lifeline for older adults on limited incomes. These special packages can cut your monthly bills while keeping you connected to what matters most.

Social tariffs are specially discounted broadband and phone packages for people receiving certain benefits. These packages give you the same service as standard deals but at much lower prices. Providers often call these ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband packages.

Here’s what you need to know: Ofcom research shows that an estimated 4.3 million UK households could qualify for these discounted rates. Yet only about 220,000 homes (just 5.11%) currently use these deals.

In short, many eligible pensioners are not getting about £200 a year in savings on their broadband bills.

Who can qualify for discounted broadband?

People who get Pension Credit usually qualify for most social tariffs. As a result, if you receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), providers like BT, Sky, NOW, Virgin Media and others offer various packages.

Other qualifying benefits include:

Income Support
Employment and Support Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Universal Credit

Some providers, like Hyperoptic, KCOM, and Vodafone, allow people who get certain benefits, like Personal Independence Payment, to qualify for their services.

Getting social tariffs is straightforward. Check if your current provider offers these discounts first. You can apply in two ways:

Online application through the provider’s website
Phone call to your provider requesting the switch

Most providers now do instant checks to check you qualify when you apply. You’ll need your National Insurance number – providers use this to verify your benefit status. If your current provider doesn’t offer social tariffs, you might leave your contract without paying an exit fee.

Your cheap broadband options with Broadband and Phone Deals

Furthermore, several affordable options exist for pensioners receiving benefits:

BT Home Essentials starts at £15 for 36Mbps speeds, with an option for those with no income at all. Virgin Media provides Essential Broadband at just £12.50 monthly for 15Mbps speeds on a flexible 30-day rolling contract.

Sky and NOW both offer Broadband Basics at £20 monthly for 36Mbps speeds. Hyperoptic provides Fair Fibre 50 at £15 monthly or Fair Fibre 150 at £20 monthly.

These social tariffs typically don’t need long-term commitments or setup fees. Plus, they usually come with price guarantees – no unexpected increases during your contract.

Digital Voice Changes – What You Need to Know

In time, the UK’s telephone network is changing, affecting landline and broadband deals for pensioners.

Think of this like the digital TV switchover 12 years ago. Still, you need to know what’s happening.

What is digital voice switchover?

Your traditional landline is being replaced with internet-based technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The reason for this change is because the current system, which dates back to Victorian times, is becoming unreliable. As a result, many spare parts are no longer available.

By January 2027, all UK landlines will switch to digital services. BT and other providers are already moving customers region by region. East of England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Yorkshire are scheduled for Spring 2025.

How this affects your landline service

This creates challenges for elderly customers who use telecare devices or pendant alarms connected through landlines.

Here’s what you need to know:

Digital phones don’t work during power cuts unless you have battery backup
Some customers have lost their lifelong phone numbers during the switch
Digital landlines need broadband connection

Nevertheless, if you don’t have broadband, or don’t want it, providers will offer landline services at no extra cost.

Get ready for the switch with Broadband and Phone Deals

Meanwhile, follow these steps for a smooth transition:

Tell your phone provider if you use telecare alarms, health pendants, or security systems
Ask for free battery backup or hybrid phone if you’re vulnerable or have poor mobile signal
Contact your provider to check if your device is compatible

At the same time, watch out for scams – the switchover should be free. Report anyone asking for payment.

Providers have committed to extra support for vulnerable customers and you’re not alone in this change.

Stay Safe and Save Money Online with Broadband and Phone Deals

Image Source: Washington Trust

We want you to get the most from your internet service while keeping your personal data safe. These tips will help you save money and stay secure online.

Check what you’re actually paying for

Look at your current broadband package. Are you paying for speeds you don’t need? Many people pay for ultrafast connections but only check emails and browse websites.

Regularly check your bills for any extras you don’t use. Contact your provider to downsize to something more suitable. You could save money every month.

Only bundle what you’ll use with Broadband and Phone Deals

Bundling broadband with TV or phone services only makes sense if you use everything regularly. Don’t pay for services that sit unused.

Some providers offer month-by-month contracts without long commitments. This gives you more control over what you pay for.

Protect yourself with strong passwords

Firstly, install antivirus software – it stops harmful programs before they damage your computer. Create strong passwords using uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.

Finally, never use the same password for different accounts, that is likely to cause problems further down the line.

Watch out for scams with Broadband and Phone Deals

Scammers target older adults with clever tricks. Americans over 60 lost nearly £3.97 billion to online fraud in 2023 alone.

Don’t click links in suspicious emails. Instead, type the website address directly into your browser. When in doubt, contact the company directly using a number you trust.

In short, stay alert and stay protected.

Get Broadband and Phone Deals you deserve

Finding affordable broadband and phone deals doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ve shown you the options available – now it’s time to act.

Social tariffs offer real savings. Packages start from just £12.50 monthly if you receive Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits.

If you know your internet habits, this is perfect. You don’t need to pay for superfast speeds if you only check emails and video call family. Bundle services only when you use them all regularly.

The digital voice switchover happens by 2027. If you use telecare devices or pendant alarms, contact your provider now. They’ll help you prepare.

Many eligible pensioners lose out on £200 in savings each year because they do not use social tariffs. Check your eligibility – it could cut your monthly bills while keeping you connected.

Stay safe online by using strong passwords, installing antivirus software, and watching out for suspicious emails. Following these simple steps helps to keep your information and money safe.

In conclusion, are you ready to save money on broadband? The right deal balances cost with what you actually need. Staying connected shouldn’t break the bank.

We want you to stay in touch with family, important services, and what matters most to you – without spending too much money.

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Broadband and Phone Deals for Pensioners: Your Simple Money-Saving Guide