A new benefit to support 16 to 24-year-olds into work if they have been unemployed for six months will open for applications today.
Job Start Payment is a one off £250 payment to help with the costs of starting a new job. The upper age limit rises to 25 for care leavers and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.
In its first year, it is estimated around 5,000 young people will benefit from this new financial support.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said “I am delighted that our Job Start Payment is today now open for applications, it really couldn’t come at a better time to support our young people to take up job offers.
“Young people are among those whose job prospects have been hardest hit by this pandemic. As such, it is crucial that we support them and ensure they are at the heart of our economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Costs like travel, new work clothes, or childcare often have to be met before people get their first pay.
“The brand new Job Start Payment will help young people with these costs, which can sometimes be a barrier to them taking up an offer and we will be encouraging anyone eligible to apply.”
To find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222
