EMA
What is EMA?
Education Maintenance Allowance. It’s a weekly payment of up to £30 to help with the costs of post 16 learning.
Do I have to be at school or college to receive EMA?
No, you can apply if you are on an apprenticeship where you are not employed.
Also if you are on Foundation Learning programme (formerly e2e) or a non employed apprenticeship your parents or carers will be able to claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits for you until you are 20.
This all means that if you are on Foundation Learning programme (formerly e2e) or a non-employed apprenticeship you will have exactly the same financial help as someone who is at full-time college or sixth form.
Can anyone get EMA?
No. Only learners whose family income is below £30,810
a year will get it. Ask your parents or carers if this applies
to you.
Asylum seekers cannot get EMA unless they have been granted
Indefinite Right to Remain, Humanitarian Protection or EU Temporary
Protection.
Do some people get less than £30?
Yes. If your family income is between £25,522 and £30,810 you will get £10 a week. If it’s between £20,818 and £25,521 you get £20 a week. Only those with a family income of below £20,817 will get £30 per week.
What if my household income changes?
Learners are eligible for EMA at the same amount for three years until the year they reach 19. This is known as the EMA Guarantee
Successful first time applicants are guaranteed a minimum level of support even if their household income changes.
What if I don’t qualify for EMA?
Even if your family income is too high to get EMA or you get a lower amount, your parents can still get Child Benefit and possibly Child Tax Credit.
What if I no longer live with my family?
Young people who are homeless or living independently may be able to claim EMA as well as getting Income Support . If you think this applies to you ask a Connexions PA for advice or ring the EMA helpline.
Can I do a part time job and still get EMA?
Yes. You can work up to 24 hours a week without your EMA or your parents’ Child Benefit and Tax Credits being affected.
However, if you are claiming Income Support because you are living independently you cannot have a part time job for more than 16 hours a week without it affecting your benefits.
How do I apply?
Get a form from your school or your Connexions centre or online or ring the EMA helpline on 0800 121 8989. You can apply from April as soon as your parents/carers receive their TC602 or other proof of income – see below.
Will I need proof of my family income?
Yes. You will need to send this with your application form. It could be:
- Tax Credit Award Notice TC602
- P60
You must send originals not photocopies.
Do I have to have a bank account to get EMA?
Yes. You must set up a bank account before you apply. You need to send proof of this with your application. See our page on bank accounts for more info on setting up an account.
EMA Helpline 0800 121 8989
Last updated: 19-Aug-2010
