Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA)
The EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 per week for students who are aged 16 and planning to continue in further education whether it’s at school sixth form, FE college or sixth form college.
In addition there are bonuses of £100 available if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning. These bonus payments could be worth as much as £500 in total over a two-year period.
More importantly once the EMA payment is in your bank - the money is yours to spend or save exactly as you like!
Who is entitled to the EMA?
The EMA is available to you if you’re planning on staying in further education and you live in a household with an annual income of £30,000 or less. You can receive the EMA for two years as long as the household income doesn’t rise above the £30K threshold. However, you can even get it for three years if you need more time in further education to achieve your full potential.
What's the catch?
The Government obviously won’t give you all this money without asking for something in return - you just have to commit yourself to your course of study.
In order to qualify for your weekly payment of up to £30, all you need to do is to attend your course and do your work. Your attendance will be monitored each week of term.
The bonuses, however, are not only based on attendance but achievement too. You must demonstrate progress by meeting specific learning goals that are set and monitored by a teacher or tutor.
How to apply?
You will have to fill in an application form which includes a section where your parents/carers give details of their household income. The application form will then need to be sent to the Assessment and Payment Body – its address will be on the application form. You’ll be able to pick up these application forms from schools and Connexions advisors or through the website www.ema.dfes.gov.uk 
How will EMA applications be financially assessed?
You must apply for an EMA on a yearly basis. Each application will be means tested, based on household income. Families will be asked to provide a Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN), which is supplied by the Inland Revenue. The relevant tax year will be the last complete tax year before the date of application for EMA.
Parents or carers who have not applied for a TCAN should apply for one now. Contact the Inland Revenue on 0845 3003900 for further details.
What if my parents/carers do not have a TCAN?
Applicants who cannot provide a TCAN, which shows a household figure for the relevant tax year, will be asked to provide alternative income evidence for that tax year – i.e. a P60.
How will I receive my EMA?
Payments will be made directly into your bank account. No payments will be made by cash or cheque.
Does the EMA affect my family’s/my other benefits?
No. It is specifically designed at helping families overcome the financial burden of supporting young people in further education. It is therefore paid in addition to other support provided by the Government such as the new Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Receiving EMA will not affect Child Benefit.
Is EMA the only financial support available for 16-19 year olds who stay on in further education?
No. You may also benefit from the Learner Support Funds. Unlike the EMA, this is not a weekly allowance but it does provide financial help via a system of one-off payments for young people with particular needs such as help with the costs of books and equipment, or travel to and from their learning centre.
For information on Learner Support Funds contact your college or school sixth form.
Are you still undecided about your future?
Making a decision about whether you’re staying in further education is not one that should be taken lightly. However, there are several people and organisations that can help you make that decision. We have listed some of them here. These will provide you with knowledgeable, impartial advice about every aspect of your education and career:
- Connexions - www.connexions-cw.co.uk
Advice on careers and a number of other issues. - UCAS – www.ucas.com
The official site for universities and colleges. Find out what courses are available, where they are and how to apply. - National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – www.dfes.gov.uk/nvq
All about NVQs. - Student Money – www.studentmoney.org
Helpful guide to organising and planning your finances - DirectGov: Money to Learn - http://moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk/
Information on financial help for young people in education and training. - Education Maintenance Allowance – www.dfes.gov.uk/ema
All the information you need about the EMA.
Related pages:
