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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

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Education Maintenance Allowance

Money too tight to mention?

If it's the choice between a textbook and your weekly supermarket shop, your education is going to suffer. But now help is at hand. The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides financial support to young students and their families and can help you stay on course for a brighter future.

We spoke with one student to find out how EMA helps her

‘I knew I wouldn't be able to support myself with the money from my part-time job alone. So the EMA has been really useful! Most of it goes on bus fares and necessities but the rest is either saved or spent on my social life. I'm even putting a little aside each week for driving lessons.’
Katie Ball, aged 17.

What is EMA?

• This is a scheme that provides financial support to young students and their families
• It's a weekly payment worth up to £30 per week, depending on household income
• It can help you meet the day-to-day costs of travel, books and equipment while you study
• Payments will be made straight to your bank if you attend all of your college classes or sessions
• Bonus payments of £100 (worth up to £400) are available.

Who will be entitled to an EMA?

• You must be between 16 and 18 years of age
• Your annual household income must be below £30,810 (E2E learners will receive the highest rate of EMA regardless of household income)
• You must be doing at least 12 hours a week of guided learning (16 hours for E2E and PLA programmes)
• You must enrol on a course that runs for a minimum of 10 weeks
• You must meet the residency requirements

Will EMA affect my family's or my own benefits?

No. It will not affect other government benefits.

So why scrimp when help is at hand? Make sure you get what you are entitled to.

The EMA Agreement

After you enrol on your course, you will register for EMA and sign an EMA Agreement. This outlines what we expect from you in terms of:

• Attendance
• Coursework
• Progress

How do I find out more?

Call 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema