Young people across East Renfrewshire could be eligible for more than £330 to help cover the costs of starting a new job.
The Job Start Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland, offers financial support to 16 to 24-year-olds who have been out of work and receiving certain benefits for at least six months.
It aims to help young people cover expenses like travel, work clothing, tools, or childcare as they begin employment.
The scheme also supports care leavers aged 16 to 25, provided they are not working and receive a qualifying benefit on the day of their job offer.
Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
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Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for Social Justice, said: "We understand the cost of starting a job can be steep and that’s why we introduced Job Start Payment.
"We don’t want young people facing financial barriers to starting work.
"Thousands of young people have already benefited 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."
Applications for the payment can be made up to six months after receiving a job offer, meaning those who started work earlier in the year may still qualify.
The payment does not need to be paid back.
Applicants aged 16 to 24 must be either starting a new job or returning to a job after a break of at least six months.
Applicants must provide written evidence of their job offer, which can be in the form of a text, email, WhatsApp message, or letter.
Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or via post.
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Dave McCallum, head of careers, information, and guidance at Skills Development Scotland, said: "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.
"At Skills Development Scotland, we're committed to supporting people into sustainable, meaningful work, and initiatives like this help remove barriers so people can focus on building their careers and achieving their potential.
"As Scotland’s national careers service, it’s important to work with partners to help people get the right support at the right time."
Skills Development Scotland delivers career information, advice, and guidance in schools, in SDS centres and in community venues across Scotland.
Support is also available via its freephone helpline on 0800 917 8000 and online at My World of Work.
Full details on the Job Start Payment and how to apply are available through the MyGov.Scot website.
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