Don’t forget the clocks go back this month! ⏰ This means an extra hour of sleep and shorter evenings ahead.

Are you new to Self Assessment? The deadline to register is 5 October 2025. ⏰ Find out if you need to register at gov.uk/check-if-you-need-tax… @HMRCgovuk

Here are 5 things to think about this October: • The clocks go back on 26 October - don’t forget to adjust the time on your clocks and devices ⏰ • If you’re new to Self Assessment, you must tell HMRC by 5 October if you need to complete a tax return for the previous tax year ✍🏻 • If your uni course starts between 1 April and 30 June, you have until 31 December to apply for student finance 👛 • Check if you’re eligible for Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment ❄️ • Stay safe during Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night by checking fireworks guidance 🎆

Flu isn’t just a cold – it’s a very infectious illness, but a vaccination can help protect you from it. 🦠 You can get a flu vaccination if: • you’re aged 65 or over • you’ve got a certain health condition • you’re pregnant • you live in a care home • you’re a carer of an older or disabled person • you live with someone with a weakened immune system Your child can get a flu vaccination if: • they’re aged 2 or 3 • they’re at school • they have a certain long-term health condition If you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can book one now. Search ‘flu vaccine’ at GOV.UK for more information.

You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October if you need to complete a tax return for the previous tax year and you haven't sent one before.

Find out more at gov.uk/healthy-start

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you: • buy healthy foods, such as milk or fruit 🍏 • get free vitamins 💊 You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify unless you’re under 18. If you live in Scotland, you can't get Healthy Start but you can apply to the Best Start Foods scheme instead.

If you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007 in England or Wales, your landlord must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP). You’ll get your deposit back if you: • meet the terms of your tenancy agreement 📋 • do not damage the property 🔨 • pay your rent and bills 👛 Your landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in the scheme within 30 days of getting it. At the end of your tenancy, your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you’ll get back. There are separate TDP schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

🍂 Today is the autumn equinox. This marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Thinking about changing your name? You’ll need a deed poll to make it official and you can apply online or post. Swipe through to find out more 👉

📢 One month to go until the UCAS Clearing deadline for 2025. If you’re still exploring your options, you have until 20 October to apply through Clearing.

Haven’t applied for student finance yet? Don’t panic - there’s still time! Watch to find out how to apply before the deadline 👀

Did you know you can get free MOT reminders by text message or email? 🚗 Find out more about how to sign up at gov.uk/get-stop-view-mot-rem…

🌎 Need to renew or replace your passport? Whether it’s expired, lost or damaged, here’s everything you need to know.

For more information, visit gov.uk/looking-after-childre…

Did you know if you're separating from your partner, a mediator can help you both agree on child arrangements? This can often mean you don’t have to go to court. Mediation can help you and your ex-partner agree on the details of how you’ll look after your child, such as: 🏡 where they live ⏰ when they spend time with each parent ☎️ when and what other types of contact take place (for example, phone calls) 👛 how to cover your child’s living costs (for example, housing and day-to-day care)

If your home or business is at risk of flooding, you can sign up for free flood warnings 🌧️ 📲

✈️ 🇬🇧 If you've been accepted onto a course by a licensed student sponsor, apply now. It usually takes around 3 weeks to get a decision on your student visa.

Remember today is the Emergency Alerts test. 🚨 A siren-like sound and notification will happen at 3pm on compatible UK mobile phones and tablets.