Education Maintenance Allowance frequently asked questions

2008/2009

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was introduced nationally across England from September 2004 to eligible young people in school sixth forms and also to those of the same age studying in colleges of further education.

This page will give you information about the following topics:

• What is an EMA?
• Who is entitled to an EMA?
• How much can I get?
• How long is an EMA awarded for?
• How do I apply for an EMA?
• What do I have to do to keep the EMA?
• Who can I speak to if I need help about the EMA?
• Where can I find out the latest information about the EMA scheme?
• EMA checklist

What is an EMA?

The Education Maintenance Allowance is a weekly payment of up to £30 depending on household income. It is paid directly to eligible young people in school sixth forms and also to those of the same age studying in colleges of further education.

The payment is intended to help meet the costs of study and to encourage young people to continue with their education.

Who is entitled to an EMA?

To qualify for an EMA you must:

• be a UK national (born here or have UK citizenship or a UK passport) or
• have 'indefinite leave to remain' or refugee status or
• come from a European Union or European Economic Area country and have lived in the UK for three years

How much can I get?

The EMA is means tested which means that payment depends on an assessment of household income. Household income is assessed using the same rules as the Inland Revenue uses to assess eligibility for Tax Credits.

If household income is less than £30,810 for the year, it is worth applying for an EMA.

If your income is between £30,811 and £45,000 you will not qualify for an EMA, but you may qualify for a School Access Bursary (SAB) from the School Access Fund. Even if your income is higher than £45,000 you may still qualify for a SAB because mortgage and rent payments can be taken in to account for that bursary. You can not claim a SAB if you are entitled to an EMA.

EMA Payments are as follows:

Eligible students may also receive bonus payments of £100 if they remain on their course and make good progress with their learning. Bonuses are payable in January and July. There is an extra bonus payment payable in September if you return for a second year of study.

How long is an EMA awarded for?

In most cases, the EMA will be awarded for 2 years (as long as the household income remains within the threshold barrier). In some cases it may be possible to receive it for 3 years, if extra time is needed for the course of study.

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How do I apply for an EMA?

The EMA is based on an assessment of household income received in the previous year. For example, if the school year starts in September 2008, the assessment will be made on family income for the year ended 5 April 2008.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) has appointed a National Service Provider to act as the Assessment and Payment Body (APB). If you wish to apply for the EMA, you will need to complete an application form and then send it with details of household income to the APB from May 2008.

If you will be applying for an EMA for the first time in 2008/20089 you can pick up an application form from your school or college from mid May 2008. If you are already getting an EMA in 2007/2008 the APB will write to you from mid February and will arrange to send you renewal forms for 2008/2009 if required. In either case you should aim to get the form to the APB before the start of the academic year.

The APB will notify all applicants about whether or not they are entitled to an EMA. Payment will not be made until the applicant has enrolled at a school or college and has started a valid course of study.

What do I have to do to keep the EMA?

Payment will only be made to those who have satisfied the attendance requirements. This means that if you do not attend school or college as required, your payments will cease. Bonus payments will depend on the applicant showing satisfactory progress against learning objectives set out in their learning agreement and through an on-going commitment to remain in education.

Who can I speak to if I need help about the EMA?

As well as assessing applications and making payment, the APB offers a helpline which operates between 7am and 8pm. You can contact the helpline on 080 810 16219. The EMA website also provides up to date online information.

The Connexions Service, your school or college and the Student Support office are also there to offer help and advice where they can.

Where can I find out the latest information about the EMA scheme?

There is a Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) website which is regularly updated with information about the EMA scheme.

EMA checklist

• Now: find out about EMAs from leaflets and posters in schools and colleges, or at careers events, and open a bank account if you haven't got one already
• May onwards: get your EMA application form , fill in the form with your parents or carers and return it to the APB. Make sure you have evidence of your household income to send with the form. This might include TCAN (Tax Credit Award Notice) , P60 for employment or SA302 for self employment (obtained from Inland Revenue) for the last complete tax year (2006/2007) and receive your 'Notice of Entitlement' (this should happen shortly after returning your form)
• August: get your GCSE results
• September: discuss and sign up to your EMA contract part 1 (attendance) with your teacher or tutor. (This is usually done when you enrol)
• September onwards: turn up for your lessons and work hard - earn your EMA weekly payments
• October: discuss and sign up to your EMA contract part 2 (bonuses) with your teacher or tutor
• January: come back to school or college and get your EMA bonus
• January onwards: turn up for your lessons and work hard - earn your EMA weekly payments

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