Apprentices urged to apply for £314 Job Start Payment

This Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 – 7 March), young people starting an apprenticeship are being reminded that they could be eligible for Job Start Payment.

The awareness week highlights how apprentices can contribute towards a competitive and capable workforce for Scotland.

Apprentices who have been on certain benefits for six months or more before starting their apprenticeship could be eligible for the payment, and they can apply for it up to 6 months after they receive their job offer.

Job Start Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45, with a higher rate of £503.10 for clients who have a child or are a child’s main carer. It’s for young people aged between 16 and 24 who meet certain criteria. Care leavers can apply up to the day before their 26th birthday.

It can be used to pay the bills that crop up before that all important first pay day. This could include travel costs, childcare expenses, paying for lunches or buying new clothes.

Cliff Graham, Head of Operations Scotland and Northern Ireland (Education, Training and Skills) at Barnardo’s, said:

“In our experience, young people often face a range of additional costs when progressing into an apprenticeship. Job Start Payment helps remove these barriers and assists young people in making a positive start to their new career.”

Background

To receive Job Start Payment, eligible people need to have been out of paid work and receiving one of the following low-income benefits for six months before the date of the job offer:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit

People can apply for the payment for up to six months after the date of the job offer. Social Security Scotland need to see confirmation of the job offer - this can be a text message, WhatsApp, a letter, or an email from the employer. The job must also average 12 hours or more a week over a four-week period and it doesn’t need to be a permanent job so seasonal workers should check if they are eligible.

Care leavers, someone who has spent time in care but stopped being looked after on, or after, their 16th birthday, can apply for Job Start Payment. They only need to be out of work and receive one of the qualifying benefits listed on the day of the job offer. They are also eligible for a year longer – up to the day before their 26th birthday.