The EE Basics Plan has recently launched in the UK, allowing those receiving certain benefits to get a reduced-price on their monthly mobile phone bills.
For those that aren’t aware, a ‘Social Tariff’ means if you are in receipt of benefits like Universal Credit, you could be paying less per month on your utility bills. This means everything from energy, water, broadband and so on.
And it really isn’t that difficult to get the discounts either.
The other thing is, the social tariff system has recently been extended to include mobile phone (and SIM Only) plans. And with that, EE have now launched their own plan called “EE Basics” from £12 a month. These cheaper tariffs are, in effect, subsidised by customers who aren’t on benefits.
Be sure to read the eligibility requirements below, to make sure that you can get this discounted rate today.
On this page
What *is* the EE Basics package then?
For just £12 a month, if you sign up for the EE basics plans, you will be able to get all of the following:
- 5GB data allowance
- Unlimited calls
- Unlimited texts
- Up to 25Mbps download speeds
- 30-day rolling contract (for 12 months)
- No early exit fees apply.
For comparison’s sake, the same plan on the EE website without the discount costs about £17 a month at the time of writing, meaning you are getting a £5 discount every month, but also you can cancel at any time.
Yes, you read that right – this is a rolling 30 day contract, but the contract term lasts for 12 months.
How can it be a “rolling contract” if it’s for 12 months?
Quite simply, this means that your initial contract period is 30 days. If you wish to leave after that, you can. However for legal purposes the contract is for 12 months. If you want to renew after 12 months, then you still can – subject to still being in receipt of benefits.
If you aren’t in receipt of eligible benefits at the end of the 12 month period, then speak to EE about it, and they will come up with a suitable competitive package.
Can I switch to EE Basics as an existing customer?
Yes, you can. But you may have to read the terms & conditions of your exisitng EE contract first, to make sure that you can switch, though EE state that they will deal with every one on a case-by-case basis. So in other words, get in touch with EE and ask the question!
If you are an existing customer of another network other than EE, then you may still be able to switch over. But the only way to find out, is to speak to your network directly.
Do any other networks besides EE offer a Social Tariff discount?
At the time of writing, the only other network to offer a discount for those in receipt of benefits is VOXI. You can find out more here about the VOXI plan.
What about EE Broadband?
Mobile or SIM-Only social tariffs are relatively new, but thankfully the opposite is true for broadband providers.
Most of the”big name” broadband providers already have an established social tariff package in place – find out more about the best broadband plans for social tariff here.
If you want to compare broadband prices for non-benefits claimants on EE, then read our article on comparing EE broadband plans.
How does the Social Tariff application work?
EE have said that the person receiving benefits must be the named EE account holder of the Basics plan. Only one Basics plan is allowed per EE account holder.
If you need assistance then the best idea is to contact EE support.
Will I need to pass a credit check?
Yes. EE require that you pass a credit check to be able to sign up for the EE Basics plan.
If this of concern then you may want to check out our ‘no credit check’ social tariff page.
Am I eligible for EE Basics?
To sign up for the EE Basics plan on SIM Only, you must be in receipt of at least ONE of the following, at the time of signing up:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Credit
- ESA or Employment & Support Allowance
- Income Support
- JSA or Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you are in receipt of several of these, then it doesn’t matter, you will still qualify, as long as ONE of them is fulfilled.
If you do not see your benefit or credit on this list, please leave a comment below and we will come back to you with an answer.
How Do I Sign Up for EE Basics?
At the moment, you cannot sign up online.
We are hoping that EE will start to offer the option for users to sign up for EE Basics on their website very soon. In the mean time, you will need to call EE on 0800 956 6000.
TIP: Read our article on EE Broadband social tariff.
Seems very expenseive esp seeing you only get %GB of data and download speeds of up to 25Mbps.
Many companies offer much better deals for less than this. Just do a web search for “best sim deals” and do yourelf a favour by avoiding this rip-off” which ties you in for 12 months.
You can get a 30 day contract that offers more data, higher download speeds and costs you less.
That’s a ridiculous ‘offer’.
You can get Lebara 4g 3GB for £4 – on 30 day rolling.
Or 12GB for about £7.
Go to Money Saving Expert.
I am in receipt of Pension Credits and would like to switch to your Social Mobile and Broadband Tariff if possible.
I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with my monthly payments.
I am 80 and on basic state pension.
Need help with massive increase in charge.