Young people across Lanarkshire who are starting a new job this summer are being encouraged to check whether they could get over £330 to help with the costs of getting into work. The Job Start Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland, gives 16-to-24-year-olds a financial boost when taking up a new job.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, individuals must have been out of work and receiving certain benefits for at least six months. Care leavers can apply for the payment between the ages of 16 and 25, but they need to be out of work and receiving a qualifying benefit on the day of the job offer.
What the Payment Covers
The payment can help cover practical costs such as work clothes, travel, tools, or childcare—expenses that can otherwise make starting a new job difficult for people on a low income. Importantly, the payment does not need to be paid back.
Application Window
People have up to six months after receiving their job offer to apply for this payment. Therefore, Lanarkshire youths who have already started a job earlier this year are encouraged to check as they may still be eligible.
Official Comments
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We understand the cost of starting a job can be steep and that’s why we introduced Job Start Payment. We don’t want young people facing financial barriers to starting work. Thousands of young people have already benefited from this payment and we’re keen to help even more get a helping hand. I encourage all young people to check if they are eligible.”
Head of careers, information and guidance at Skills Development Scotland, Dave McCallum, added: “The Job Start Payment can make a real difference for people taking their first steps into employment, helping to ease some of the financial pressures that can come with starting a new job. At Skills Development Scotland, we’re committed to supporting people into sustainable, meaningful work, and initiatives like this help remove barriers so people can focus on building their careers and achieving their potential. As Scotland’s national careers service, it’s important to work with partners to help people get the right support at the right time.”
How to Apply
For full details on the payment, and how to apply, visit the official website at mygov.scot/job-start-payment. People can apply online, by phone, or by post. Skills Development Scotland also delivers career information, advice and guidance via 0800 917 8000.
