Educational Awards and Benefits - Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

 

EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA)

EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for students who are aged 16-19 who continue into further education after leaving school. There are also bonuses available if students remain on their course and make good progress with their learning. Payments are made directly into the student's bank account.

 

Who is entitled to an EMA?

You can get an EMA if:

• you are aged 16-19 years old

• your household income is £30,810 or below per annum

• you are on a full time further education course (such as AS/A2, GNVQs, NVQs and GCSEs) in school sixth form, sixth form colleges and Further Education colleges (more than 12 guided learning hours per week)

• you are undertaking a Learning Skills Council (LSC) funded Entry to Employment (e2e) Programme or a Programme Led Apprenticeship.

Procedure

Application forms are available at secondary schools; Connexions centres, and colleges, or they can be requested by telephone from the national helpline number given below.

Please read the notes provided with the application form carefully to ensure you have included all the necessary supporting documentary evidence.

Helplines

National Helpline number is 080 810 16219.
Connexions number is 080 800 13219.

Opening Times/Locations

The National Helpline is open 7.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Friday.

Leaflets

The National EMA leaflet is available from the Learning Skills Council.

Legislation

The Education Act 1996 (a)

Related Links:

• Education Maintenance Allowance

• Learning and Skills Council