Education Maintenance Allowance

What is EMA?

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week depending on your household income. The money is intended to help with the day-to-day costs when you stay on at school or college or learning provider– such as travel, books and equipment for your course.

If I am entitled to EMA what would I receive?

If you are entitled, you will receive your EMA payment every week of your course as long as you turn up to your classes and show commitment to your course (there will be contact between you and the learning provider). Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies.

You could also get a bonuses onto of the weekly allowance if you do well on your course or learning programme, and meet certain targets.

What is a learning provider?

6th Form School/college, Further Education College or Special School.

Who is entitled to EMA?

Your household income is up to £30,810 per year. You will need to check this with your parent or carer.
Your 16th birthday is between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006.
You're a UK national born here or have UK citizenship or a UK passport or
Have indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter, or refugee status or
Come from a European Union or European Economic Area country and have lived in the UK for at least three years and satisfy the Home Student criteria (contact www.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information) or

EMA will not affect any other benefits your family might get. It is paid on top of any other support provided by the government, or any earnings from your part-time job.

How much household income is taken into account to receive EMA?

Income up to £20,817 per annum – receive £30 per week

Income of £20,271 to £24.850 per annum – receive £20 per week

Income of £24,851 to £30,810 per annum – receive £10 per week

How is EMA paid?

It is paid directly into the your bank account if you stay on in education at school or college after your GCSEs, and is available during term time for any academic or vocational course (up to level 3) which involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week.

How does the application process work?

You apply for EMA by completing the EMA application form.
If you are eligible you will receive a Notice of Entitlement (NoE) and a contract.
The contact is given to the learning provider and you will then sign up to a learning agreement.
The learning providers will notify the Assessment and Payment Body of the payment decisions, which will then make payments directly into your bank account.
Make sure you have set up a basic bank account - ask for more details and help at any local bank branch.

How do I apply for EMA?

You can get an application pack by ringing 0808 101 62 19 or by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/ema

The application form is also available from Connexions Personal Advisers and from schools/colleges.

Where do I return the EMA application form?

EMA Assessment & Payment Body
Freepost NATI 1897
Darlington
DL1 1BR
Please note:
Oldham LA do not have application forms and do not administer the EMA scheme

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Factsheet (PDF 51k)