Martin Lewis fan saves over £300 with simple tip – millions missing out without switch | Personal Finance | Finance

One woman was able to save over £300 thanks to a Martin Lewis money-saving tip in his Money Saving Expert newsletter.

Caroline is disabled and claiming Personal Independence Payment.

It wasn’t until reading the MSE newsletter that she realised she may be eligible for a social tariff and be able to make savings.

She wrote to the MSE team: “My broadband came up for renewal and they wanted to increase my bill to over £40/month.

“I saw MSE’s information about social tariffs – I am disabled on personal independence payment, so I looked at your list of providers and found that Vodafone do a social tariff for £12 a month.

“I would never have thought to even look at the social tariffs before MSE’s information about them! Thank you, you have saved me over £300.”

There a millions on a low income who are missing out on cheap broadband because they have not opted for a social tariff.

There are more than 10 ‘social tariffs’, which give long-term, consistently cheap prices that could help people save more than £100s each year on average.

Who qualifies for a social tariff? 

If an individual or someone in their household claims Universal Credit, they could switch to any of the tariffs available.

All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.

Some providers might include additional benefits, like Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance.

The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.

How to apply

First, people need to check if their r current provider offers a social tariff. Most tariffs can be applied for online, or by phone. People just need to ask to switch.

Providers will usually recheck eligibility every 12 months.

Full list of broadband and phone social tariffs