Broadband automatic compensation: what you’re owed and when
Under Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme, signed-up providers pay you automatically — usually as bill credit — when things go wrong. As of 1 April 2026 it’s £10.34 for each day of a total loss of service not fixed within two full working days, £32.31 for a missed or short-notice-cancelled engineer appointment, and £6.46 for each day a new service starts late. You shouldn’t have to ask.
Last updated: · Written by The NetSorted team
If your broadband or landline lets you down, you may be owed money — automatically. Here’s how the scheme works and what you’re entitled to.
What the scheme covers
Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme pays out for three things:
| What went wrong | Compensation (from 1 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Total loss of service not fixed within two full working days | £10.34 per calendar day |
| Missed appointment, or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice | £32.31 per appointment |
| New service not working on the promised start date | £6.46 per calendar day (incl. the missed start date) |
The amounts are linked to inflation and rise every April, so always check the current figure.
You shouldn’t have to ask
If your provider is signed up, the payment is made automatically, usually as credit on your bill, within set timescales. You don’t normally need to claim.
What to do if it isn’t paid
- Check your bills for the credit.
- If it’s missing, make a formal complaint referencing the scheme.
- If it’s still not resolved after six weeks, escalate to the ombudsman.
Estimate what you’re owed
Use our compensation calculator to estimate your total for a loss of service, missed appointments or a delayed start — then check it against your bill.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to claim automatic compensation?
No. If your provider is in Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme, it should be paid automatically, usually as credit on your bill, without you asking. If it isn’t paid, raise a complaint.
How much is broadband compensation?
As of 1 April 2026: £10.34 per day for a total loss of service not fixed within two full working days, £32.31 for a missed or short-notice-cancelled appointment, and £6.46 per day for a delayed activation including the missed start date. The amounts rise with inflation each April.
Which providers pay automatic compensation?
Most major UK providers are signed up, but not all. Check your provider’s terms — if they’re not in the scheme, you can still complain and seek redress, escalating to the ombudsman if needed.
Sources
- Ofcom — Automatic compensation: what you need to know — checked 14 June 2026
Published and last updated — see dates above.