Education maintenance allowance (EMA) 

What is the education maintenance allowance?

The education maintenance allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to young people who stay on in further education from age 16 to 18. The scheme is available in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Entitlement to EMA depends on household income. It does not affect the benefits of other people in the household.

How much can you get?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland

For the financial year 2007/2008 if the income of the household is: 

• up to £20,817 per year you get £30 per week
• £20,818 - £25,521 per year you get £20 a week
• £25,522 - £30,810 per year you get £10 a week
• more than £30,810 per year you have no entitlement to EMA

The money is paid directly into your bank account so you decide how to spend it. You may also receive bonuses of £100 if you remain on the course and make good progress with your learning.

You are classed as being further education if do at least 12 hours of guided learning on further education courses in school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and Further Education colleges. Courses can include AS/A2, GCSEs, GNVQs, NVQs and other vocational qualifications.

You can also get an EMA if you are on Learning and Skills Council funded Entry to Employment (E2E) or courses that lead to an Apprenticeship. This will replace the existing Minimum Training Allowance (MTA) that is currently paid.

In Scotland

For the financial year 2007/2008 if the income of the household is: 

• up to £21,302 per year you get £30 per week
• 21,303 - £26,116 per year you get £20 a week
• £26,117 - £31,528 per year you get £10 a week
• more than £31,528 per year you have no entitlement to EMA

The money is paid directly into your bank account so you decide how to spend it. You may also receive two bonuses of £150 if you remain on the course and make good progress with your learning.

How do I apply for EMA?

In England to get an EMA application form, you can either:

• phone 0800 121 8989
• ask your school, college or learning provider
• contact your Connexions personal adviser

Once you’ve completed the form, your parent or carer will also need to send evidence of the household income for the relevant tax year. This might be their Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602), or P60.

In Northern Ireland you can get a form from your school, college or local Jobs & Benefits office /JobCentre. If you are an existing EMA student then a renewal application form will have been sent to your home address. If you do not receive your renewal application form please contact the EMA Customer Services Team on 0845 601 7646 for advice.

In Scotland you must ask your school, college or Local Education Authority for an application form.

In Wales you apply on a "Particular of Family Circumstances" form obtainable from Integrated Childrens Services or from your school. You can also call the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219.

Where can I get more information?

You can find more information on the following websites

• www.direct.gov.uk - England
• www.delni.gov.uk - Northern Ireland
• www.emascotland.com - Scotland
• www.studentfinancewales.co.uk - Wales

The Scottish Executive website also produces a guide, Helping you meet the costs of learning, at www.scotland.gov.uk.

April 2008