Job Grant consultation: response

Questions 6 and 7: Supporting a smooth transition into employment

Accessible application and support

The majority of respondents to the consultation believe that Job Start Payment will meet its policy intention of supporting a smoother transition into employment for young people on low incomes. Some responses also noted that effective promotion and a straightforward application process, with easy access to advice and guidance, will help maximise take-up.

As with all Scottish social security benefits, the application process has been designed with users in mind and user testing is being undertaken at all steps of the process to inform content. That is why, for example, the system has been designed anticipating that most young people will apply online using mobile devices.

Social Security Scotland's client advisors will focus on helping to ensure that more vulnerable people can access the grant whether by digital, telephone or face to face. It will also be possible for certain appointed people, such as social workers and those with power of attorney, to apply for Job Start Payment on behalf a young person. Social Security Scotland's local delivery teams will also work with delivery partners to ensure that sources of advice and support about how to access and use Job Start Payment are available in each local authority area.

Promoting Job Start Payment

Plans are in place to support the launch in spring 2020 with communication and marketing campaign materials. This will include support and training for Social Security Scotland staff who will be involved in processing Job Start Payment applications. There will also be presentations across Scotland where key delivery partners can find out what they can do to support the successful launch and delivery of Job Start Payment.

Application preferences

Users have also highlighted a strong preference for being able to upload their evidence rather than providing hard copies by post. Job Start Payment will be the first benefit to be delivered by Social Security Scotland with a document upload service. This should simplify and streamline the process for applicants.