Job Start Payment is a new payment available to young people in Scotland

Job Start Payment (JSP) is a new payment available to young people in Scotland who are on certain benefits and need support with the costs of starting a new job.

A person must meet all of the criteria below to be eligible:

• are 16 to 24 years old; or a care leaver aged 16 to 25

• live in Scotland on the day of the job offer

• be out of paid work and in receipt of a qualifying benefit for 6 months or more

• if they are a care leaver, they must be out of paid work and in receipt of a qualifying benefit on the day of the job offer

• have a job offer for paid employment of 12 hours per week or more

• applications must be made after a job offer, and up to three months’ after

JSP is a one off payment of £250, or £400 if the person has a child. It can be spent on anything for starting work like clothing, travel costs or lunches.