Free Money From the UK Government
Some of the easiest free money in the UK comes straight from the government — tax cuts, savings bonuses and top-ups worth thousands. They're official, free to claim on gov.uk, and most people who qualify never bother. Here's what's on offer and how to claim it.
HMRC · Added 1m ago
Boost Your State Pension — Fill NI Gaps (~£900 → ~£6,800)
Gaps in your National Insurance record can cost you thousands in State Pension. Filling a year often costs ~£900 and adds ~£6,800 over retirement — but check your forecast first.
HMRC · Added 1m ago
Find Your Unclaimed Child Trust Fund (Average £2,200)
Born between 1 Sep 2002 and 2 Jan 2011? The government opened a savings account for you with free cash inside — around 750,000 are unclaimed, averaging £2,200. Finding it is free.
HMRC · Added 58m ago
Marriage Allowance — Cut Your Tax by up to £252/Year (+ Backdate ~£1,000)
If one of you earns under £12,570 and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, transfer unused tax allowance and save up to £252 a year — plus backdate 4 years for a ~£1,000 lump sum. Free, via HMRC.
HMRC · Added 1m ago
Tax-Free Childcare — Government Pays 20% (up to £2,000/Child a Year)
Working parents: for every £8 you put in a childcare account the government adds £2 — up to £2,000 a year per child (£4,000 if disabled). Covers nurseries, childminders & clubs.
HMRC · Added 58m ago
Help to Save — 50% Government Bonus, up to £1,200 Free
On Universal Credit and working? Save £1–£50 a month and the government adds a 50% bonus — up to £1,200 free over 4 years. Treasury-backed, run by HMRC.
UK Government · Added 58m ago
Lifetime ISA — 25% Government Bonus, up to £1,000/Year Free
Aged 18–39? Save up to £4,000/year for a first home or retirement and the government adds 25% — up to £1,000 free every year.
HMRC · Added 1m ago
Claim Your Tax Back — Uniform, Tools & Job Expenses Rebate
Spend your own money on a work uniform, tools or professional fees? Claim tax relief from HMRC — often £100s — and backdate up to 4 years. Free to claim direct.
UK Government · Added 1m ago
Council Tax Discounts — 25% Off (and Bigger Reductions You're Missing)
Live alone? Get 25% off your Council Tax. Bigger discounts and exemptions apply for students, carers and people with conditions like dementia — often missed and backdatable.
⚠️ Always claim these directly on gov.uk (we link straight to the official pages). Never pay a company that offers to claim a government scheme for you — it's free, and they just take a cut.
Government free money — FAQs
Is free money from the government real?
Yes. These are official UK government schemes run by HMRC and the Treasury, not scams. You apply directly on gov.uk and the money — a tax cut, a savings bonus, or a top-up — is paid by the government. There's no catch beyond meeting the eligibility rules.
What government schemes give you free money in the UK?
The biggest ones for most people are Marriage Allowance (a tax cut of up to £252 a year for couples), Help to Save (a 50% bonus worth up to £1,200 for people on Universal Credit), and the Lifetime ISA (a 25% bonus of up to £1,000 a year towards a first home or retirement). Which you qualify for depends on your circumstances.
Do I have to pay to claim these?
No — every one of these is free to claim directly on gov.uk. Never use a third-party 'claims' company that charges a fee or takes a cut of your money; they're doing something you can do yourself in a few minutes for nothing.
Can I claim more than one?
Yes, if you're eligible for several you can claim them all — they're separate schemes. For example a married Universal Credit claimant under 40 could potentially use Marriage Allowance, Help to Save and a Lifetime ISA at the same time.