The Scottish Government has introduced changes to Job Start Payment, simplifying the process for young people to apply.
Young people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Job Start Payment as part of a new campaign.
The Scottish Government has introduced changes to Job Start Payment, simplifying the process for young people to apply.
Changes to the qualifying criteria mean that income received from completing trial shifts will now not rule out applicants from getting Job Start Payment.
Further changes made by Social Security Scotland, who administer the payment, include extending the deadline to apply to six months after the young person’s job offer rather than the previous three months, and supplying simplified supporting information for proof of job. These changes are designed to make the application process clearer and simpler.
People can apply for Job Start Payment to help with the costs of starting a new job. Any young person aged between 16 to 24 years old who has been out of work for at least six months and is in receipt of certain benefits for six months can apply for the payment. Care leavers need to be aged between 16 to 25 years and only need to be out of paid work and in receipt of certain benefits on the date of the job offer.
Job Start Payment is a one-off payment of £294.70 or £471.50 if the person is the main carer of any children. This money does not need to be paid back.
The purpose of this payment is to help with the costs of starting a new job. It can be used for things like: travel costs, such as a bus or train pass, lunches, new clothes or a uniform and childcare. Young people under 22, who live in Scotland, are also entitled to free bus travel and further details on this can be found at freebus.scot
Social Security Scotland will send the payment to the applicant’s bank or to someone else’s. Bank account details need to be available to apply.
As part of applying for Job Start Payment, applicants need to send Social Security Scotland their job offer confirmation. They also may need to send further supporting information.
To find out more about Job Start Payment and apply online, over the phone or book an appointment to apply in-person, people can visit mygov.scot/jobstartpayment or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.