Savers have deposited £13 million in Help to Save accounts that give them 50p for every £1 they save.
More than 90,000 people have signed up to the government’s new saving account – Help to Save – depositing over £13 million.
The account offers working people on low incomes a 50% bonus, rewarding savers with 50p for every £1 saved.
Over 4 years, a maximum bonus of £1,200 is available on savings of up to £2,400. Over 250 people each day are taking up the offer and customers are making the most of its maximum £50-a-month deposit, saving on average around £47 each month.
Savers can check eligibility, apply and get more information savers on GOV.UK or use the HMRC app.
Separate research published by HMRC today (28 February 2019) shows that Help to Save makes saving achievable, affordable and worthwhile, with some participants now seeing themselves as ‘savers’ rather than ‘spenders’.
John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:
It’s great that so many people are getting into the habit of saving, and benefiting from the 50% boost from the government.
Even if you can only save a small amount it will help you build a savings pot to plan and prepare for the future. Having savings acts as a buffer in difficult times and helps people to save up for those big purchases or key life moments like having a child.
Anyone who is eligible should take a look and sign up – it’s flexible, secure and easy to use.
Having taken advantage of the Help to Save scheme, saver Janice Graham, said:
It is so easy to use and I don’t have to think about it as it’s automatic because money goes in using a standing order. I save for my grandkids and nothing like this has been seen before.
Good to encourage people to save, and the bonus is one of the best features as it’s an incentive to put money in and not touch it. It really helps those with impulse spending.
Help to Save helps those on lower incomes build up a ‘rainy day’ fund, and encourages a long-term savings habit. How much is saved, and when, is up to the account holder, and they don’t need to pay in every month to get a bonus.
Help to Save is available to working people on Tax Credits, or Universal Credit claimants with a minimum earned income equivalent to 16 hours per week at the National Living Wage in their last assessment period.
Account holders can save between £1 and £50 every calendar month and accounts last for 4 years from the date the account is opened. After 2 years, savers get a 50% tax-free bonus on the highest balance they’ve achieved. If they continue saving, they could receive another 50% tax-free bonus after a further 2 years.
On maximum savings of £2,400 over 4 years, the overall bonus would be £1,200.
Image courtesy of Flickr – Ken Teegardin – www.AssistedSeniorLiving.net