The UK government has extended the Help to Save scheme operated by HMRC, providing a financial boost for low-income individuals through matched savings incentives. Eligible participants can earn up to £1,200 in bonuses over four years by saving modest monthly amounts ranging from £1 to £50.
Birmingham Live reports that setting up an account is quick and simple, taking less than five minutes to complete.
The scheme, designed to encourage regular saving habits, remains an accessible tool for those seeking to strengthen their financial resilience during ongoing economic pressures, with bonuses awarded in the second and fourth years of participation.
How the Help to Save Scheme Works
Launched in September 2018, Help to Save allows participants to deposit between £1 and £50 each month into a dedicated savings account. For every £1 saved, HMRC pays a bonus of 50p, with payouts scheduled at the end of the second and fourth years.
The bonus is not calculated on the total saved, but on the highest amount saved during each two-year period. This means participants who reach a savings peak—even if only once—are rewarded accordingly.
Those saving the full £50 per month could deposit £2,400 over four years and receive the maximum bonus of £1,200. There is no obligation to save every month, offering flexibility to individuals facing income variability.
Eligibility and Timeline of Extensions
Initially scheduled to end in September 2023, the scheme was first extended to April 2025, and has now been prolonged again until April 2027. The program is aimed at those receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Child Tax Credit.
Accounts can be easily created and managed online through GOV.UK or via the HMRC mobile application.
According to HMRC, around 93% of savers consistently deposit the maximum £50 each month, with the average monthly deposit currently standing at £48. This suggests strong uptake and user confidence in the scheme.
Financial Context and Expert Comment
Simon Trevethick, Head of Communications at StepChange Debt Charity, called the scheme
A useful way for those on lower incomes to boost their savings.
He added:
After several years of rising cost of living pressures, some households have been left with little to no savings to cope with unpredictable costs.
Trevethick also welcomed the government’s latest move:
We were pleased to see the government extend the scheme toward the end of last year, so it’ll now run for a further two years until April 2027.
Support for Account Setup
Eligible individuals can set up their Help to Save account directly on gov.uk, and manage it there or through the HMRC app. For those experiencing difficulties with the application process, assistance is available via HMRC’s Help to Save helpline at 0300 322 7093, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
The extension of the program provides continued support to individuals building financial resilience, especially in a context of increased economic uncertainty.
