Help to Save — 50% Government Bonus, up to £1,200 Free

Overview

Help to Save is a government savings scheme for people on Universal Credit that pays a 50% bonus on what you save — up to £1,200 free over four years. Save anything from £1 to £50 a month and the government tops it up. It's run by HMRC, your money is 100% backed by the Treasury, and the bonus is tax-free.

How to Claim

1. Click the link on this page to open the official GOV.UK Help to Save page.
2. Sign in with your Government Gateway ID and open an account (a few minutes).
3. Pay in up to £50 a month by debit card or standing order.
4. Bonuses are paid automatically — after year 2 and again after year 4 — into your chosen bank account.

Requirements

• Receiving Universal Credit, and you (with your partner if it's a joint claim) had take-home pay of £1 or more in your last monthly assessment period.
• UK resident.
• One account per person — each partner in a couple can open their own.

Important Terms

• 50% bonus = up to £600 after 2 years, plus up to £600 after 4 years (£1,200 maximum).
• The bonus is based on the highest balance you reach, so you keep the bonus already earned even if you withdraw — but withdrawals lower your highest balance going forward.
• You don't have to pay in every month.
• The account runs for 4 years, then closes — you can't open another one. If you close it early you miss your next bonus.
• The scheme is being made permanent from April 2027, with more banks and building societies set to offer accounts and eligibility widening from April 2028 to parents and carers on Universal Credit.

Tips

• Pay in the full £50/month if you can to maximise the bonus — nothing beats a guaranteed 50%.
• The bonus is tax-free and does not affect your Universal Credit, and savings of £6,000 or less (including this account) won't reduce your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
• Set a standing order so you never miss a month.