Educational & Social Services

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Do you want to stay in education but you're worried about money?

If you decide to stay on at school or go to college from August 2008 you may be able to get an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

What is an EMA?

It is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for students who are planning to continue in post-compulsory education from August 2008.

There are also two bonuses of £150 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.

Payments will be made direct to your bank account.

Who will be eligible for an EMA?

You could get an EMA if:

You were born between 1 March 1989 and 28 February 1993.

Your household income is £32,316 or below.

You are on non-advanced further education courses (up to SVQ level 3) at schools and FE colleges.

What do I need to do?

You must attend all your course sessions and sign an EMA Learning Agreement with your school or college. This agreement will set out what is expected of you in terms of:

Attendance

Coursework

Progress

When do I apply?

If you are eligible to receive EMA from August 2008, you must submit your application by 30th September 2008. Otherwise payments will only be made from the date the application was received.

If you are eligible to receive EMA from January 2009, you must submit your application by 29 February 2009. Otherwise payments will only be made from the date the application was received.

For session 2008/2009 the cut-off date for processing application forms is 31 March 2009.

How do I apply?

You can download an application form and/or guidance notes by clicking the link above or by using the contact information below.

If you attend college you should contact the college bursary office.

Contact Information