Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, is encouraging young people and care leavers on benefits in his constituency to check whether they might be eligible for a significant support payment following recent changes to the application process.

The Job Start Payment was launched in 2020 and is a one-off cash payment, worth £294.70 or £471.50, from Social Security Scotland that is designed to help with the costs associated with starting work.

Recent changes mean that income from trial shifts no longer rules out a young person from receiving the payment, whilst the deadline for applying has been extended from three months after a job offer to six months and more simplified support information about the job offer is required.

Commenting on the changes, Keith said:

“I warmly welcome these changes which should make it easier for care leavers and other young people across my Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency to access support in seeking employment.

“The Job Start Payment has made a huge difference to the lives of many young people in the three years since it was introduced.  The payment can be a significant help in alleviating the pressure of starting a new job and helping to ease costs that can be a genuine barrier to employment.

“As the cost of living pressures continue to persist – largely created in Westminster by Brexit and the disastrous Tory mini-budget – the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to support those who need it most, showing just what is possible with the full powers of independence.

“I am determined to ensure that people in Clackmannanshire & Dunblane are getting the money that they are entitled to and I strongly encourage those who think they may be eligible to check and apply for this payment.”