Natalie Don MSP is urging young people in Renfrewshire starting a new job after a period of unemployment to apply for the Job Start Payment introduced by the Scottish Government.
The Job Start Payment, will help with the costs of starting a job – including travel, new clothes or childcare – is available to 16-24-year-olds who have been on Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit for six months or more.
Eligible young people can apply for the one-off payment worth £252.50, or £404 if they have children.
Young people who are care leavers can access the payment up to the age of 25 as long as they were receiving a qualifying benefit when they got their job offer. Young care leavers do not need to have been receiving their benefit for six months.
Natalie Don MSP said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted on young people across Renfrewshire North and West as it has been challenging to secure seasonal or permanent employment with many workplaces not functioning to their usual full capacity.
“For young people who do find employment, starting a new job can present other challenges such as the costs of travel or buying clothes, so I was delighted to see the Scottish Government introduce the Job Start Payment.
“I encourage all eligible young people in Renfrewshire who have been unemployed for a long time and recently found work to apply for this support which can ease financial burdens associated with starting a new job.”
For information about how to apply for a Job Start Payment, go to mygov.scot or call telephone: 0800 182 2222.