Thousands could get free broadband worth up to £150 a year – here’s how to apply

THOUSANDS of struggling households could be eligible for free broadband worth up to £150.

Community Fibre, with the help of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is providing free access to broadband to Londoners struggling to get online.

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The new scheme, which launched today, will see those eligible for the service receive 12 months of free broadband.

Customers will get speeds of 50Mbps from the Community Fibre network.

The offer comes with no set-up or line rental costs either.

However, it is only open to individuals who are disabled, carers, or have been receiving any of the following benefits for more than three months:

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• Income-based jobseekers allowance
• Income-based employment support allowance
• Pension credit
• Income support
• Universal Credit

Households can be signposted for support the next time they visit their local Jobcentre Plus.

However, the offer is only open to those registered at Jobcentres in Woolwich, Peckham, Tower Hamlets, Harlesden, Barnsbury and Finsbury Park.

Community Fibre will then confirm a person's eligibility.

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Those nominated will receive a letter from the provider to confirm they would like to take up the offer. 

To do this, participants must call Community Fibre within four weeks of the date of the letter on 0808 196 6262. 

Mims Davies, DWP minister of state said: "I am thrilled by how working with Community Fibre, DWP are able to give so many Londoners free, high-speed internet for the next year.

"Whether it's interviewing for a job or accessing vital services, decent internet is necessary for all of us to get on with day-to-day lives.

"If you're interested and think you might be eligible for this key support, speak to your local Jobcentre today."

It comes as Community Fibre said one in 10 Londoners reported missing out on job opportunities or experiencing disruption during virtual job interviews because of an unreliable internet connection.

In addition, 15% of Londoners report that they cannot access basic services such as GP appointments, online banking, or government services because of poor broadband connectivity.

Graeme Oxby, chief executive officer of Community Fibre continued: "Our research has shown that two-thirds (69%) of Londoners view broadband in the same way they view their gas, water, and electricity services.

"To apply for new jobs, contact a GP or access government services, a reliable internet connection is key, and we're proud to be working alongside the DWP and Jobcentre Plus to bring fibre broadband to those who need it most."

For those who are not eligible for the scheme but may still be struggling to get online, Community Fibre also offers a discounted broadband tariff for those on low incomes and benefits.

This costs £12.50 a month or £150 a year and customers and is known as a "social tariff".

Other broadband firms offer similar discounted deals.

CHECK FOR SOCIAL TARIFFS

Several internet companies provide special discounted rates for customers who are on Universal Credit or other benefits.

BT offers a basic phone and broadband package for households that claim certain benefits.

You could be eligible to get the cheaper broadband deal if you get one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit)
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)
• Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings)

The monthly phone line rental costs £5.16 and includes free weekend calls for up to an hour to 0845 and 0870 numbers.

It also comes with a call allowance of £1.50 and a £10 monthly price cap.

You can add broadband to the BT Basic line for £10.07.

The price cap means that no matter how many calls you make, the most you'll pay each month is £15.16 or £20.07 with broadband if you keep with the eligible calls included within the price cap.

Virgin Media also offers a cheaper deal for people on Universal Credit which costs £12.50 a month.

It is a 30-day rolling contract so you can switch back to your usual service whenever you choose to.

The broadband deal doesn't come with a phone line, and there's no way of adding one, so this probably isn't the right deal for you if you need a landline for emergencies.

It's important to shop around when you're looking for a new broadband deal, as other internet packages could be more suited to your needs.

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You should use a price comparison website to find the best fit for your budget.

And if you're already mid-way through a contract, you might have to pay an exit fee to leave your contract early.