Potential cash boost for young workers

YOUNG people and carers starting work in Dumfries and Galloway could be eligible to receive over £330 to help them begin work.

Delivered by Social Security Scotland, the Job Start payment is giving 16-24 year-old’s and care leavers, the opportunity to receive a financial boost, helping to cover some of the practical costs involved when starting a new job.

Targeted support aims to alleviate some of the financial burden when starting employment such as the purchasing of work clothes, travel, tools, and childcare costs.
The payment also does not need to be paid back.

To be eligible for the payment, individuals must have been out of work and receiving certain benefits for at least six months.

Care leavers aged between 16 and 25 can also apply for the payment if they have been out of work, and if they receive a qualifying benefit on the day of their job offer.

Cabinet secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Thousands of young people have already benefitted 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.”

Young people have up to six months after receiving their job offer to apply for the payment. If a person has already started a job earlier in the year, this means they may also be able to make a claim.

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.”

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) delivers career information, advice and guidance services in schools, in SDS centres and in community venues across Scotland.

For full details on the payment and how to apply, information can be found by visiting Job Start Payment online at mygov.scot. People can apply online, by phone, or by post.