Your payment

If your application is successful you'll get £314.45, or a higher payment of £503.10 if you're the main carer of any children. This will come in one payment and you do not need to pay this money back.

What you can spend the payment on

The purpose of this payment is to help you with the costs of starting a new job.

You could use it for things like:

• travel costs, such as a bus or train pass
• lunches
• new clothes or a uniform
• childcare

You’ll get this money in one payment. If you need to, you can spend it on things that might cost more, like a travel pass.

If you need advice on budgeting, visit Citizens Advice Scotland.

How you'll get your payment

Social Security Scotland will send your payment to your bank or to someone else's. You'll need the bank account details to apply. 

If you want to get the money in someone else's account, you need to check they're happy with this first. You should also be sure you'll be able to access the money before you put their details on the form. 

If you do not have a bank account, you can get Job Start Payment paid in the same way you are for other benefits. For this, you should apply either over the phone or by using the paper form.