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Help to Save Bonuses Top £220 Million as HMRC Urges Eligible Workers to Enrol

The scheme stays open to new applicants until April 2027 following an eligibility expansion to working Universal Credit claimants.

Overview

  • Official data to April 2025 shows 575,200 accounts opened with £588.2 million deposited since the scheme launched in 2018.
  • Savers get a 50% top-up on £1 to £50 saved each month, worth up to £1,200 in bonuses over four years.
  • Eligibility widened in April 2025 to all working Universal Credit claimants, adding about 550,000 people and prompting 7,800 new accounts that month.
  • HMRC is promoting sign-ups during UK Savings Week, with accounts opened in minutes on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app, which accounts for about a fifth of openings.
  • Bonuses are paid at the end of years two and four based on highest balances, withdrawals can reduce payments, and 94% of account holders save the monthly maximum.