New £252.50 Job Start Payment 

 

A new benefit has been launched  by Social Security Scotland to help young people entering the workplace. This is a £252.50 payment for people aged between 16 to 24 who have a job offer after a period of six months of more on certain benefits. Given local authorities role in the development and delivery of employability services please familiarise yourself with the information. 

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As you know, young people are expected to face some of the greatest challenges with employment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Often young people who have been unemployed struggle with the costs of returning to work – so much so that it can be a barrier to them accepting a job offer. This money is available to help them get whatever they need to start work – be that clothing, help meeting travel costs or paying for childcare. 
Job Start Payment is a one-off payment of £252.50, or £404 if the young person has responsibility for any children. It is there to support young people with costs associated with starting a new job. 

It is available to people aged 16 to 24, or 25 if they are a care leaver. 

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16 to 24 year olds who have been out of work and receiving a qualifying benefit for at least six months can apply. 

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Also eligible are 16 to 25 year old care leavers who have been out of work and receiving a qualifying benefit on the day they receive their job offer.

Qualifying benefits:
•    Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
•    Income-related Employment Support Allowance
•    Income Support
•    Universal Credit

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Job Start Payment can be applied for every 2 years, if the young person still fits the eligibility criteria. 

People will be able to apply for Job Start Payment from 17 August 2020 online at www.mygov.scot/benefits/ or through our Freephone helpline at 0800 182 2222. 

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You can find resources to support the promotion of this benefit at socialsecurity.gov.scot/what-we-do/stakeholder-resources