What is Help to Save and who can get it?
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In short: A government savings account paying a 50p bonus on every £1 saved over four years, worth up to £1,200. Open to people receiving Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit with earnings over a small monthly threshold.
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You can save between £1 and £50 a month for up to four years. The government pays a 50% bonus on the highest balance you reach in years 1–2 (paid at year 2) and on the increase between years 2–4 (paid at year 4).
The maximum bonus is £1,200 (£600 + £600) on £2,400 saved. The account is run by NS&I, the money is fully government-backed, and bonuses are tax-free and ignored for benefit calculations.
Help to Save has been extended to April 2027. You apply through your Government Gateway account on gov.uk.
Primary source: gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income
Part of our Savings & ISAs
This quick answer sits inside our wider savings & isas hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full savings & ISAs guide →