EMA
Important changes to
EMA from June 2008
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 recieve EMA?
No, you can apply if you are on e2e or an apprenticeship where you are not employed.
Also if you are on 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 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 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.
Is there a reward for working hard?
Yes. If you meet agreed learning targets you can get bonuses during your course.
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. Anything you earn over £5.00 a week will be taken off your income Support.
If you are on e2e you shouldn’t work part-time for more than 10 hours a week.
How do I apply?
Get a form from your school or your Connexions centre. You can apply from April as soon as your parents/carers receive their TC602 or other proof of income – see below. You don’t have to know the college or the course you are going on to. Or download a form from www.direct.gov.uk/ema or ring the EMA helpline on 080 810 16 2 19.
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
- Form SA302 – for self employed
- A benefit statement filled in by DWP – part C of the EMA form
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 080 810 16 2 19
Last updated: 22-Apr-2008
