Students urged to use HMRC app for finance applications help

With many Lanarkshire Higher students planning their next steps in life, those starting university in September can “tap the app” to get National Insurance and tax information they need to complete their student finance applications, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said.

Anyone applying for a student loan for the 2024/25 academic year is encouraged to start their application now and to get the essential details they need, including their National Insurance (NI) number, quickly and easily via the HMRC app.

HMRC data shows that in the 12 months to March 2024, more than 112,000 customers called the National Insurance Helpline asking for a lost or forgotten NI number of which nearly 50 per cent were from customers aged between 16 and 20.

It also reveals May was the busiest month with more than 6400 young people calling the helpline for their NI number, coinciding with students applying for their student loans.

HMRC is encouraging students to save time by downloading the free and easy to use HMRC app here for instant access to the details they need.

Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s director general for change delivery, said: “Getting your NI number is simple with a tap of HMRC’s app and young people should take advantage of it.

“Download the HMRC app today straight from your phone’s app store to get all the info you need quickly and easily.”

As well as their NI number, Lanarkshire students applying for finance will also need a working email address; a bank account in their own name; a valid UK passport; and course details.

They can also apply for finance to help with cost of living expenses. How much they receive is dependent on household income – as well as where they live while they study. Parents or the partner of students will also need to have their NI number to hand; visit GOV.UK for more information.

Any details missing from an application could cause a delay in receiving any loan payments in time for the start of the students’ course.

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: “Downloading details from the HMRC app will speed up the process of applying for a student loan.

“Preparing for higher education can be a time-consuming process for sixth form students so we are pleased this will help to reduce the administrative burden on young people.”

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