A LOCAL politician is urging people returning to work to check their eligibility for benefits.

The reminder comes as many are returning to their jobs following the festive period, indicating that both part-time and full-time employees can qualify for Scottish Government benefits.

MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said: "In January, there are lots of people starting new jobs or returning to work for the first time in a while, and I’d urge them to check what benefits they may be eligible for.

“I’d particularly like to highlight the support available to young people in Renfrewshire starting work through the Job Start Payment.

“This one-off payment can make a difference with the costs of getting up and running in a new job and its important that it reaches as many eligible people as possible."

Payments administered by Social Security Scotland, including those aimed at assistance for low-income families, are accessible to those in work.

Universal Credit is another potential benefit, with approximately one-third of Scottish recipients currently employed.

Assistance allocated through Social Security Scotland's five family payments is also viable for working individuals.

The five family payments include three Best Start Grants, Best Start Foods, and one-off payments including Winter Heating Payment and Funeral Support Payment.

People with jobs can also qualify for Adult Disability Payment, with qualification not based on employment or income

Ms Don emphasised the Scottish Government's efforts in subsidising the cost-of-living crisis.

She said: “The Scottish Government are helping people across Scotland through the cost-of-living crisis by committing £6.1 billion in social security benefits and payments.

"That’s £1.1 billion more than the Block Grant Adjustment received due to spend on comparable benefits by the UK Government.

"This is the action we're taking whilst one hand is tied behind our backs. Imagine what more we could do with the full powers of independence."