Help to Save
A government-backed savings account for certain people receiving Universal Credit, which pays a 50% bonus on what you save over 4 years.
Most you can pay in each month
£50
You can save between £1 and this each calendar month, and you don't have to pay in every month.
GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 9 Nov 2026
Bonus rate
50%
Bonuses are paid after 2 and 4 years, based on the highest balance you've saved. They're tax-free and paid into your bank account.
GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 9 Nov 2026
Most you can pay in over 4 years
£2,400
The total if you pay in the full monthly amount for the whole 4 years.
GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 9 Nov 2026
Most you can earn in bonuses
£1,200
You keep any bonus you've earned even if you withdraw money, but withdrawals make it harder to earn the full amount.
GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 9 Nov 2026
How long the account lasts
4 years
The account closes 4 years after you open it, and you can't open another one.
GOV.UK — HMRC · checked 9 Nov 2026