EMA

EMA is designed to support you to continue to learn and develop new skills. If you are aged 16-18 and have left compulsory education you could be entitled to it.

The main features of the scheme are:

• Payment bands of £30, £20, £10 per week.
• Bonus payments if you meet certain targets agreed with
  your tutor, teacher or learning provider.

Will I be entitled to it?

If you are thinking of staying in further education at school or college, joining an e2e programme or becoming a programme led Apprentice, and live in a household with an annual income of £30,810 or less, you should apply for EMA.

How long can I receive EMA for?

As long as your household's income doesn't rise above £30,810 per year you can receive EMA for two years. If you need additional time in further education to achieve your full potential it will be available for three years.

How do I apply for EMA?

You'll need to complete an application form and send it with details of your household's income to the Assessment and Payment Body.Your entitlement will be based on assessment of your household's income in the previous financial year. You'll need to apply on a yearly basis. Your teacher, Connexions PA, learning provider or local student support services will be able to help you fill in your application form.

What courses are covered by an EMA?

As long as you undertake 12 hours of guided learning per week, at school, college or with a learning provider, the type of learning you choose can be either academic or vocational depending on what is appropriate for you. If you are unsure, check with your school, college or learning provider.

What can I spend the money on?

It's up to you how you spend your EMA. EMA allowances have been spent on books, equipment, transport, contributing to family income and other costs incurred in the course of study.

Will receiving EMA affect other benefits?

No. It's paid in addition to other benefits such as Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and is not affected by any money you earn from a part-time job.

For more information about EMA see the website at
www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema. Or phone the helpline on 080 810 16219.