Financial Help at 16+: Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If you are 16+ and applying for a full-time college or entry to employment programme, you may be entitled to a weekly allowance of up to £30.

Please note that EMA payments made to students will not affect any other benefits or tax credits which their family may be receiving.

What is an EMA?

It is a weekly sum of money which is paid according to family income. Details are as follows:

• Households with incomes up to £20,817 - £30
• Households with incomes between £20,818 and £25,521 - £20
• Households with incomes between £25,522 and £30,810 - £10

There are also bonuses of £100 paid twice in the first year and three times in the second year if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.

Payments will be made direct to your bank account.

What do I need to do?

You must attend all your course sessions and sign an EMA contract with your school, college or training provider. This will set out what is expected from you in terms of attendance, coursework and progress. Any unauthorised absence will mean that your payment is not made during that week.

How do I apply?

Information will be available from your school, your Connexions personal adviser or your new school or college.

For further information telephone 080 810 162 19 or visit the EMA website.