Page 27 | To think saving on Universal Credit is extremely difficult?

FirmGreyMember · 2026-04-28T19:42:46+00:00

It feels like Universal Credit doesn’t really leave much room for saving once basic living costs are covered. I know in theory people say to put even small amounts aside but in practice it seems very difficult when most of the money goes on essentials. AIBU to think there’s very little opportunity to build savings on UC?

EatingAJacketPotato · 28/04/2026 20:52

It was easier with tax credits - we paid our mortgage off with the old system including support for mortgage interest before they made it into a loan. No savings limit then either.

DimeADozen · 28/04/2026 20:51

For anyone on Universal Credit who does have a little left over to save this is a good scheme: https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income

Get help with savings if you’re on a low income (Help to Save)

Get help with savings if you're on a low income (Help to Save) - how it works, what you'll get, eligibility, how it affects your benefits and how to apply online.

https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income

RiversEdge · 28/04/2026 20:50

More benefits rage bait. Why do people fall for it?

Original poster

FirmGreyMember · 28/04/2026 20:50

rainbowunicorn · 28/04/2026 20:45

Saving isnt really the point of benefits. There are plenty of people who are not entitled to any benefits who cant afford to save very much, if anything. Why do you think that being able to save out of benefits should even be a thing?

That’s not really the point I was making. I wasn’t saying benefits should leave people able to build significant savings, just that having little to no room to put aside even a small emergency buffer can leave people permanently on the edge financially.

OP posts:

dancehysterical55 · 28/04/2026 20:48

rainbowunicorn · 28/04/2026 20:45

Saving isnt really the point of benefits. There are plenty of people who are not entitled to any benefits who cant afford to save very much, if anything. Why do you think that being able to save out of benefits should even be a thing?

Meanwhile their taxes are going towards other people’s savings…

Fluffordirt · 28/04/2026 20:48

exhaustedandoverit · 28/04/2026 20:47

What if something breaks, car, white goods, school trip etc? There’s nothing wrong with having a savings pot for emergencies. You’re allowed up to £6k with no sanction.

It is hard OP, have you done an I&E to see if there’s anything that could be cut back on to put some aside? If you’re paying out on any debt could this be looked at to see if you’re paying too much?

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You put into that pot while you are working, not when on benefits.

Fluffordirt · 28/04/2026 20:47

It’s supposed to tide you over until you get working again. If you’ve got enough to save then you’re being given too much.

exhaustedandoverit · 28/04/2026 20:47

Happytaytos · 28/04/2026 20:43

It's not designed to be saved.

What if something breaks, car, white goods, school trip etc? There’s nothing wrong with having a savings pot for emergencies. You’re allowed up to £6k with no sanction.

It is hard OP, have you done an I&E to see if there’s anything that could be cut back on to put some aside? If you’re paying out on any debt could this be looked at to see if you’re paying too much?

cmonspring · 28/04/2026 20:45

Our UC didn’t even cover our bills when dh was made redundant, absolutely no chance of saving.

rainbowunicorn · 28/04/2026 20:45

Saving isnt really the point of benefits. There are plenty of people who are not entitled to any benefits who cant afford to save very much, if anything. Why do you think that being able to save out of benefits should even be a thing?

Tableforjoan · 28/04/2026 20:44

It’s not meant to be saved. Doesn’t help though if you suddenly get evicted or your car breaks down.

Overthebow · 28/04/2026 20:44

Well yes there probably isn’t, but then UC isn’t the ere for people to build savings, it’s a safety net.

Happytaytos · 28/04/2026 20:43

It's not designed to be saved.