Home Essentials

Stay connected with our low-cost broadband and phone plans.

Available if you’re on specific benefits, they’re perfect for everything from accessing services to video calls and streaming TV.

12 month contract

No early exit fees, so you’re not tied in if your circumstances change.

Instant
online check

With our eligibility check, there’s no waiting to see if you qualify.

Who can get BT Home Essentials?

New or existing BT customers can apply. You’ll also need to be receiving one of these benefits to qualify:

New or existing BT customers can apply.
You’ll also need to be receiving one of these benefits to qualify:

  • Universal Credit
    (all claimants)
  • Pension Credit
    (Guarantee Credit)

Don’t forget you’ll need your National Insurance number
when you order, so we can check you’re eligible.

BT’s Smart Hub is a Which Best Buy.

Home Essentials broadband includes:

Guaranteed speeds

Get the speeds we promise or
£20 back with our Stay Fast Guarantee.

Strong, reliable wi-fi

Get a great connection with our
powerful Which? Best Buy Smart Hub.

BT’s Smart Hub is a Which Best Buy.

Unlimited broadband

With no data caps or download limits,
you can do as much as you like online.

Security as standard

Our 3,000 security experts work 24/7
to help protect you and our network from
cyber attacks.

How do I get BT Home Essentials?

If you qualify, you’ll get Home Essentials for a year, even if you come off benefits.

After 12 months, we’ll run another eligibility check. If you still qualify,
we’ll keep you on the same plan. If anything’s changed, we’ll let you know.

If you qualify, you’ll get Home
Essentials for a year, even if you
come off benefits.

After 12 months, we’ll run another
eligibility check. If you still qualify,
we’ll keep you on the same plan.
If anything’s changed, we’ll let you
know.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for BT Home Essentials?
It’s quick and easy to apply online. Plus, with our online eligibility check, you’ll know instantly if you qualify.
  • Enter your postcode to see which Home Essentials plans are available. Both new and existing BT customers can apply.
  • Once you’ve picked a plan, you’ll go into our checkout.
  • As part of the checkout, we’ll run an online eligibility check.
  • We’ll ask for your last name, date of birth and National Insurance number.
  • We’ll check these details with the Department for Work and Pensions to see if you’re on one of the qualifying benefits.
  • You’ll get an instant response and, if eligible, you can complete your Home Essentials order straightaway.
How can I pay my BT Home Essentials bill?
You can pay your BT Bill by:
  • Direct Debit
  • online (debit or credit card)
  • by phone (debit or credit card)
  • by bank transfer
  • at a PayPoint
Can I get BT Home Essentials if I'm on BT Basic?
Yes. If you’re a BT Basic customer you can get Home Essentials, as long as you’re eligible.
Will I have to do a credit check to get BT Home Essentials?
If you’re new to BT, we’ll carry out a credit check as part of your application. If you have a low credit score you may have to pay a security deposit. We’ll let you know what that is before you complete your order.
If you’re an existing BT customer switching to Home Essentials, we won’t carry out a credit check.
Where can I get advice on filling in benefit forms, job hunting or managing money online?
You’ll find lots of free, useful information about money matters, looking for a job, protecting your family online and much more at Skills for Tomorrow.
Does BT offer any extra help for people with disabilities or health conditions?
Yes, our Here For You hub includes help articles and advice, plus information on services and useful products.
Where can I buy a low-cost laptop or tablet?
You can find a range of starter laptops and tablets on the BT Shop.
Important information

Δ If you sign up to a new contract or renew your contract for a Landline (including call charges, features, add-ons and plans), BT Mobile (including plans, monthly add-ons, call, text, and data charges), BT Broadband, BT TV or BT Sport (including TV and Sport add-ons) the monthly price will increase each year from March 2022. That increase is based on the Consumer Price Index Rate of inflation which is published in January each year plus 3.9%.