Job Start Payment for Young People

A new benefit to support young people living in Scotland into work opened for applications on Monday 17 August.

Job Start Payment is a new benefit to help 16 to 24 year olds who have been unemployed and receiving certain benefits for 6 months or more with the costs of starting a new job.

Care leavers in Scotland are able to apply for this payment from the age of 16 to 25 and they don’t need to be on a qualifying benefit for a set period of time, as long as they are on a qualifying benefit they can apply.

It’s a one-off payment of £250, or £400 if the person has responsibility for a child. This money can be spent on anything for starting work like clothing, tools or travel costs.

You can apply online for Job Start Payment by visiting mygov.scot/benefits or by calling for free on 0800 182 2222 to apply over the phone or request a paper form.

If you would like any further information or an appointment with our welfare rights adviser please contact John at the office.