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 with earned income of at least £1 in your last assessment period (eligibility expanded in April 2025 to ~550,000 more people).
• UK resident.
• One account per person.

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.
• New accounts can be opened until April 2027.

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 benefits.
• Set a standing order so you never miss a month.