Latest news with #ScottishHigher
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC alert as parents have until the end of this month to take action
A specific deadline is coming up for parents to take action - or they could end up losing their Child Benefit payments. This is what you need to know and do Some parents may be in danger of losing their Child Benefit payments next month. Parents who receive the benefit and have a child who turned 16 this year, or is continuing their education or starting approved training, must update their details by August 31. If they fail to do so, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could withdraw the benefit. Parents should get a letter in the post during their child's final year of school. This letter will ask the parent to confirm if the child is staying in education or training - remember, only the person claiming the Child Benefit can provide these details. Who is eligible for Child Benefit To be eligible for child benefit, you need to care for someone under 16, but in some cases, payments can continue until the child turns 20. When a child reaches 16, the claimant must inform the government to extend their benefit. Regarding the August deadline, parents need to tell HMRC that they plan to keep receiving the benefit as long as the child is entering an approved form of education or training. Moreover, this education or training must be at least 12 hours a week to continue to qualify. This can include A level, T level, Scottish Higher, NVQ or similar qualification studies, and traineeships. Home schooling is still valid for Child Benefit as long as it began before the child turned 16 or if the youngster has special needs or disabilities. However, eligibility ceases once the child starts an advanced course like a university degree, BTEC Higher National Certificate, intermediate/advanced apprenticeship, or an employer-funded course. If you're eligible but haven't received a letter from HMRC about the change, don't worry – they've said they'll keep sending them out until the end of July. Updating details with HMRC Parents have the option to extend their Child Benefit claims using the HMRC app or online via The letters also contain a QR code that directs parents to the digital service on HMRC promises that updating your Child Benefit claim is a breeze and takes just "minutes." Last year, 870,000 parents renewed their Child Benefit claims for their teens, with the majority doing it online. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, stated: "Child Benefit is an important boost to families. "As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to or the HMRC app to confirm today."
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Six low-cost resources to help your children with revision ahead of exams
EXAM time is looming for school and college students. If your child or someone you know is preparing for a test, there are plenty of low-cost resources to help with revision. 6 Six low-cost resources to help your children with revision ahead of exams Credit: Getty Here's some ideas to help them pass with flying colours. SCHEDULE IT: A study timetable is the best way to plan work. Break up the day into chunks of one to two hours and schedule in breaks around revision. There are loads of free templates for timetables online, which you can print off and use. Visit website for different styles to suit your needs. FLASH CARDS: Help them to memorise facts using flash cards. You simply use small cards to write a question on one side and an answer on the other. You can make your own using printable templates from Or head to The Works and get a pack of 50 cards for £1. A QUIET SPOT: Television and other distractions around the home can make it difficult to concentrate on your work. Local libraries are quiet and free to use, making them ideal for study sessions. BUDGET BOOKS: Revision books can really help information sink in. Avoid buying them new and look on second-hand selling sites instead. BBC BITESIZE: The BBC has a wealth of free resources for those sitting GCSEs, Scottish Higher and National exams including past papers and exam quizzes. There are also revision tips broken down by individual subjects including maths and English. Take a look at CHEAP TUTOR: Tutors can help students stay on track with revision and simplify tricky areas. But they don't come cheap and can cost around £40 a hour. However, if you have a skill you'd be willing to trade you could try using a swap site. For example, if you're a plumber or handyman and want a tutor for your child, you can post your skills online and ask if any tutors would be up for a trade. GMB talks to students ahead of GCSE results Try Facebook group Skill Swap UK. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day 6 Oral-B Pro 1 electric toothbrush and travel case, £34.99 at Superdrug Credit: Supplied GET your teeth sparkling with this Oral-B Pro 1 electric toothbrush and travel case, down from £69.99 to £34.99 at Superdrug. SAVE: £35 Cheap treat 6 Morrisons Market Street cookies. £1 with a More card Credit: Supplied SWEETEN up your tea break with Morrisons Market Street cookies. £1 with a More card, £1.50 without. What's new? ADD some cheer to your home with these artificial daisies and vase, £14, new in at Dunelm. Top swap 6 Leopard print sandals, £39 from Next Credit: Supplied 6 A similar pair from Matalan, £12.50 Credit: Supplied KEEP feet comfy and stylish with these leopard print sandals, £39 from Next. Or walk away with a similar pair from Matalan, £12.50. SAVE: £26.50 Little helper PACK for a picnic with four reusable plastic plates, £1 from Poundland. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 6 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
