If you’re struggling to pay your mobile, phone, internet or TV bill

You should be able to get help from most providers.

Contact your provider and ask what they can do to help. For example, they might agree to help you by:

• giving you a payment plan
• reducing your bill
• giving you more time to pay
• increasing your data or download limit
• moving you to a contract that suits your needs better

If you’re getting benefits

Ask your provider if they can offer you cheaper phone or broadband. You can find their contact details on their website or on a letter from them.

You might be able to get a cheaper deal called a ‘social tariff’. It depends which benefits you get and where you live. You can check which providers offer social tariffs on the Ofcom website.

If you arrange a payment plan with your provider 

Your payment plan should include:

•  an amount for what you currently use - this might be an estimate 

• an amount that will go towards paying back what you owe

Your provider might charge you a fee if you miss a payment or pay late - you should contact your provider if you think you’ll miss a payment. 

If you have a contract

If you have a contract (for example, an 18- or 24-month contract), you’ll usually have to pay instalments for the whole period even if you’re not using the service. If you don’t want the service anymore you might be able to cancel the contract early without having to pay anything other than what you owe. However, your provider might not let you break the contract.

Read our advice on what to do if you’re struggling with debt.

Getting a better deal

You might be able to switch phone providers for a better deal - but check your terms and conditions to see if you’re still under contract before trying to switch.

You can see a list of price comparison sites which have been accredited by Ofcom on the Ofcom website.