Funding Information: Education Maintenance Allowance

What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a national programme to provide financial support to eligible 16 to 19 year olds. You do not have to pay back any money you receive through the Education Maintenance Allowance programme. Education Maintenance Allowances are managed by your Local Education Authority or FE College.

Do You Qualify?

You may qualify if you are between 16 and 19 years of age, your date of birth is on or after the 1st March 1989 you are taking a recognised full time course of study, in a school or Further Education College and the total taxable income for your household is £32,316 or less per year.

When you would qualify for an Education Maintenance Allowance will depend upon your official school leaving date. See below:

Note:

• you cannot get an Education Maintenance Allowance until you have reached school leaving age.
• If you reach your 20th birthday whilst receiving an Education Maintenance Allowance, payments will stop from the week after your 20th birthday.
• Education Maintenance Allowances can be paid for up to three years and up to four for students with additional support needs

How much is the allowance?
Education Maintenance Allowance awards are paid according to the total taxable household income. The table below shows how the amount of Education Maintenance Allowance changes with the total household income.

Payments are only given when you have 100% attendance for the week. You may also be able to receive two bonuses of £150 per bonus, if you stay on your course and make good progress with your learning. Bonuses are paid out in January/February and June/July.

Where do I apply?Ask your school, college or Local Education Authority for an application form.