Le Dicheall Thig Eòlas - Knowledge comes from Diligence

Educational Maintenance Allowance

Educational Maintenance Allowance

EMA is a weekly payment of £30, paid fortnightly for eligible students aged 16 years or more (eligibility depends on family income).

The allowance is paid during term time, and payments will be made direct to the student’s account.

Students can apply online or collect a form from the school office or service-point.

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/education-and-learning/education-maintenance-allowance

Students who received EMA last session need to reapply this year.

Does my EMA affect other benefits?

EMA is currently paid in addition to Child Benefit and other benefits. Young people on Job Seekers’ Allowance or on government supported training schemes are not eligible for EMA’s.

Who can get an EMA?

EMA’s are available to eligible people aged 16 to 19 who have reached school leaving age.

To be eligible you need to meet the following criteria:

Residency

There’s different arrangements in place for different immigration statuses. Your local council and college will be able to let you know if you can get EMA with your current residency status in your area.

Household Income

Your household income will also determine if you’re eligible for EMA. Household income is the income of your parent(s) or carer(s) who live with you. To qualify, households with one dependent child must be earning £24,421 per year or less, and households with more than one dependent child must be earning £26,884 or less, before tax.

Education

As well as the above, you can only qualify for EMA if you’re any one of these:

  • Attending school full time
  • Getting home education or flexi schooling
  • On a full or part-time non-advanced course in a college or education centre