Improvements to Job Start Payment

Young people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Job Start Payment as part of a new campaign.

The nationwide digital marketing campaign, which launched on 23 October 2023, aims to raise awareness of the financial support available to young people and care leavers when they are offered a job after a period of unemployment.

The one-off payment helps with the costs of starting a new job such as the costs of travel, work clothes or childcare. Eligible people receive a one-off payment of £294.70 or £471.50 if they are a main carer of any children.

We have introduced positive 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.

We have made further improvements including extending the deadline to apply from three to six months after the young person’s job offer and simplifying the supporting information needed for proof of job. These changes are designed to make the application process clearer and eligibility easier.

To help raise awareness and encourage eligible young people to apply, we are encouraging our stakeholder organisations to share the campaign on their channels. Additional resources for stakeholders on Job Start Payment, including factsheets, posters, flyers and social media graphics, are also available to download and share.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can find out more and apply online, over the phone or book an appointment to apply in-person, by visiting mygov.scot/jobstartpayment or call us free on 0800 182 2222.