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Job Start Payment

Secured a job over Christmas 2024? You could still be eligible for the Job Start Payment!

This payment can be used for bills, travel, childcare, or new clothes before your first payday. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply below.

20/02/2025

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What is Job Start Payment?

A payment to help support eligible young people on low income benefits with the cost of starting work.

It’s a one-off cash payment which can be claimed up to three months after you receive a job offer. You do not need to pay it back and it can be reclaimed again after 2 years.

It is paid as a flat rate £314.45 for a young person aged 16 to 24, or £503.10 if you’re a main carer.

Who can apply for Job Start Payment?

You need to be aged 16-24 or if you’re a care leaver  you can apply up to age 26.

You must have been out of paid work for 6 months or more and receive Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit. Care leavers do not need to have been in receipt of a qualifying benefit for 6 months.

The job offer that you’re claiming the payment for must be an average of 12 hours per week or more, over a 4-week period.

 

How can I apply for Job Start Payment?

You need to be aged 16-24 or if you’re a care leaver  you can apply up to age 26.

You can apply online if you:

  • Have a permanent address
  • Have a bank account which you have agreed for the Department for Work and Pensions to pay into
  • Are applying on behalf of yourself

Apply for Job Start Payment here. This online application form should take around 10 minutes to complete.

You’ll need to apply over the phone or by post if any of these don’t apply to you.

Phone Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

To post your application to Social Security Scotland you should fill in this paper form.

If you’d like a pre-paid envelope for sending documents to Social Security Scotland, free-phone 0800 182 2222 and they can send you one.

View information on Your Benefits.

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