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What is Educational Maintenance Allowance?

 
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment made to 16 to 19 year olds from low-income families to enable them to participate in post-compulsory education.

Who is eligible?

A young person may be able to get a weekly allowance. There are three payment bands depending on household income:

  • up to £20,817 a year - £30 per week
  • £20,818 to £25,521 a year - £20 per week
  • £25,522 to £30,810 a year - £10 per week.
The scheme also provides for bonuses of £100 (up to £500 in total) to be paid for remaining on the course and making progress in learning.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available from secondary schools or Connexions offices. You can also order a form or get other information about the scheme from the free helpline number which is 0808 10 162 19. For copies of the EMA Young Persons Leaflet, call 0845 60 222 60.

Before any payments can be made the student must have a Learning Agreement in place with their school or college. This agreement means that the student undertakes to attend regularly and to meet other conditions relating to good behaviour.

More information

Visit the DfES website.

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