Customers in Scotland are being encouraged to check online for the range of financial support available from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to help with living costs.
HMRC has listed the support available in one place to ensure people are not missing out and can easily find out online if they are eligible and how to claim.
The new GOV.UK page pinpoints people to a one-stop shop of all the benefits, credits and allowances available to individuals and families, making it easier than ever for people to claim what they are entitled to.
This includes:
Child Benefit
Child Benefit can be claimed if someone is responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Tax-Free Childcare
Working parents can get assistance of up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with the costs of childcare until the September after their 11th birthday. If a child is disabled, this goes up to £1,000 every 3 months until the September after their 16th birthday (up to £4,000 a year).
Marriage Allowance
Marriage Allowance allows individuals to transfer 10% (£1,260) of their personal tax allowance to a husband, wife or civil partner if they earn less than the personal tax allowance, which is usually £12,570.
Work-related expenses and uniform allowances
Tax relief can be claimed on money spent on things like work uniform and clothing, tools, subscriptions or business travel.
The GOV.UK page also includes guidance for those on a low income wanting to make the most of their savings and help for those struggling to pay their tax bill.
Myrtle Lloyd, Director General Customer Services Group, HMRC: “We understand these are very difficult times for many so it’s vitally important we continue to highlight the range of support available.
“We’d encourage those who think they may be eligible for support to take a look and claim what they’re entitled to – it could make an important difference to household budgets at a time when it’s needed the most.”
Additional online tools and guidance are available to help customers check if they are eligible for each service – as well as extra support to guide them through the application process.