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Low-cost broadband for those on Universal Credit

Receive Universal Credit? Get online and stay connected from £12.50 a month with our social tariff broadband, also known as: Essential broadband.

What is Essential broadband and who can get it?

We believe everyone should be able to connect to what matters, no matter their circumstances. Our Essential broadband packages help those on Universal Credit get online for a low monthly price with M15 or M50 Fibre Broadband. And now, for those on our M50 package, you can add Stream from Virgin Media for a one-off setup charge of £20.

Anyone on a low income who receives Universal Credit can get our Essential broadband, whether you’re new to Virgin Media or an existing customer.

Essential broadband

15Mbps Fibre Broadband

£12.50 a month
30-day rolling contract
Free setup

Plan details:

Your Virgin Media Price

• £12.50 a month on a 30-day rolling contract

Fibre broadband

• Virgin Media WiFi Hub
• 15Mbps average download speed
• 2Mbps average upload speed

Essential broadband plus

54Mbps Fibre Broadband

£20 a month
30-day rolling contract
Free setup

Plan details:

Your Virgin Media Price

• £20 a month on a 30-day rolling contract

Fibre broadband

• Virgin Media WiFi Hub
• 54Mbps average download speed
• 5Mbps average upload speed

Essential broadband plus with Stream

54Mbps Fibre Broadband

£20 a month
30-day rolling contract
One-off £20 Stream setup fee

Plan details:

Your Virgin Media Price

• £20 a month on a 30-day rolling contract

Fibre broadband

• Virgin Media WiFi Hub
• 54Mbps average download speed
• 5Mbps average upload speed

Stream from Virgin Media

• Stream box
• £0 a month on a 30-day rolling contract

How do I get social tariff Essential broadband as a new customer?

If you’re a new customer, follow our 3 simple steps below.

1. Eligibility check

Get your details ready. To check you’re eligible for our Essential broadband packages, we’ll ask you to provide us with a screenshot of your online Universal Credits Payments page.*

2. Live Chat

Start a live chat with us and ask about our Essential packages. This is where you’ll be asked to share your Universal Credit screenshot as proof of eligibility.

3. Get online

Once we’ve confirmed your details and payment method, you’ll have the option to self-install with a QuickStart kit or get set up by one of our engineers. Both available at no extra cost.

*Make sure your screenshot shows your name, address, assessment period and payment date (the date needs to be within the last 30 days).

Go to Live Chat

Already a Virgin Media customer?

If you’re an existing customer, all you have do to is fill in an online application form and we’ll email you back with how to complete the eligibility checks. As soon as your application is approved, we’ll swap you over and you won’t have to pay any extra fees or charges for changing from your current Virgin Media services.

Fill in the form

What does Essential broadband for those on Universal Credit include?

Stay connected with average speeds of 15Mbps for £12.50 a month or 54Mbps for £20 a month.


Virgin Media WiFi Hub
Delivering fast and reliable WiFi speeds to your home, with no traffic management to slow you down, even at peak times.

30-day rolling contract
A flexible 30-day rolling contract that you can cancel at any time, with no exit fees. If you do wish to cancel your social tariff broadband, start a live chat with us and let us know, we’ll take care of the rest.

Free set up
Whether you go for one of our QuickStart self-installation kits or prefer to get your broadband installed by one of our engineers, we’ll get you set up and online at no extra cost.

Our speeds explained
Virgin Media broadband will provide your home with the speed and reliability to keep everyone happy and connected. Our speeds explained.

FAQs

The legal stuff

You can find all the information you need about the Essential broadband packages in the terms and conditions.