Young people urged to apply for Job Start Payment

The Scottish Government has introduced changes to the one-off payment, which helps eligible young people and care leavers with the costs of starting a new job, of £294.70 or £471.50 if they are a main carer of any children.

Changes to the qualifying criteria mean that income received from completing trial shifts will now not rule out applicants from getting the 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.

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Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don said: "Since launching in August 2020, Job Start Payment has made a real difference to young people in Renfrewshire, and across Scotland, by supporting them to take up employment opportunities.

"The pressures of starting a new job can be overwhelming and we don't want the extra costs to be what stops young people.

"It is now simpler for eligible clients to apply for Job Start Payment due to the recent guidance changes. 

"I encourage young people and carers in Renfrewshire North and West who have recently started work, or employers taking on young people in a new job, to find out more and check if they are eligible."

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur added: "Young people and care leavers across Renfrewshire South make an invaluable contribution to our community, and I welcome these changes which make it easier for them to access support in seeking employment.

"In the last three years the Job Start Payment has made a huge difference to the lives of many young people, alleviating the pressure of starting a new job and helping to ease costs that can be extremely prohibitive."