What is Education Maintenance Allowance?
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly allowance of up to £30 which is intended to help you stay on in education or training after you reach school-leaving age. You may also receive bonuses if you remain on your course and make good progress.
The money is to help you buy books, equipment or help with travel expenses or other costs associated with your course or training programme.
Do I Qualify for EMA?
You can get EMA if you meet all of the following criteria:
Your household income £30,810 a year or less
You are enrolled on a Further Education course, an Entry to Employment (e2e) programme of Programme Led Apprenticeship
You are enrolled for at least 12 hours per week of guided study
How Do I Apply?
You need to fill in an EMA application form. These are available from schools, colleges, many work-based learning providers and the Connexions One Stop Shop.
You can also call the EMA Helpline on 0808 10 16 219.
For further infomation visit the EMA website.