Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Nearly 500,000 Low-Income Savers Receive £220 Million in Help to Save Bonuses, HMRC Says

Officials urge eligible Universal Credit claimants to open accounts before the scheme closes in April 2027.

Overview

  • A DWP rule change earlier this year made around three million working Universal Credit claimants newly eligible for Help to Save.
  • There are 8.3 million people on Universal Credit, highlighting the scale of potential take-up still available.
  • By the end of April 2025, about 575,200 Help to Save accounts had been opened, including 7,800 opened in April alone.
  • Savers can deposit £1 to £50 per month and earn a 50% bonus paid at the end of years two and four, worth up to £1,200 on £2,400 saved over four years.
  • Accounts can be opened on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app without an upfront deposit, and withdrawals are permitted but may reduce bonus entitlements.