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What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of up to £30 paid directly to you if you're aged 16, 17 or 18, have left or are about to leave compulsory education, and decide to stay on in further education.
Am I entitled to EMA?
Entitlement to EMA depends on an assessment of household income. If you are thinking of staying in further education and live in a household with an annual income of £30,810 or less, then you should apply. You need to be enrolled on a course in England which is either:
- a full-time further education course at a college or school
- a Diploma funded by the Young People’s Learning Agency (where available) or a course that leads to an Apprenticeship
- a Young People’s Learning Agency-funded Foundation Learning Programme.
How much will I get?
The weekly allowance is paid at three levels - £10, £20 and £30, depending on household income.
| Household income per year | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| More than £30,810 | No entitlement to EMA |
| £25,522 to £30,810 | £10 |
| £20,817 and £25,521 | £20 |
| Annual income of up to £20,817 | £30 |
Any money that you earn through a part-time job is not included in your overall household income. In addition EMA does not affect any other household benefits. All payments will be made direct to your bank account.
Young people in custody
Young people can apply for EMA whilst in custody without the need to submit evidence of financial income. This will allow you to receive EMA on your release, when you enrol on a valid learning programme.
Applying for EMA
It is important that you apply as soon as possible as this could affect how long you may have to wait for payments to start. You can obtain an application form in three ways.
- In year 11 you should be given an application pack from your school but your local Connexions Centre will have a small supply as well.
- By calling the EMA Helpline free on 080 810 16219.
- Through the EMA website.
Help lines
- EMA Helpline - 080 810 16219
- Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19
Useful websites
EMA
Further information about the EMA scheme and how to apply.
Diploma
A Diploma is a new qualification you can do at school or college.
Directgov
Website of the UK government for its citizens, providing information and online services for the public all in one place. Has a useful section on money, tax and benefits, including information on opening and running a bank account.
Your Comments
Posted - 12:39, 10 Dec 2009
Hi thanks for your query. To qualify for EMA in the academic year starting September 2009, your annual household income must be below £30,810 (for tax year 2008-09). If you have a part-time job, the money you earn is not included in your overall household income. These figures may change for the academic year starting September 2010. For further information on EMA call the helpline on 0800 121 8989. Hope this helps, Connexions.
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Posted - 09:49, 10 Dec 2009
If you get £30,820 are you entitled to EMA