Education Maintenance Allowance

Education Maintenance Award (EMA) is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week depending on your household income.

The money is intended to help with the day-to-day costs when you stay on at school or college – such as travel, books and equipment for your course.

It is paid directly into your bank account if you stay on in education at school or college after your GCSEs, and is available during term time for any academic or vocational course (up to level 3) which involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week.

If you're entitled, you'll receive your EMA payment every week of your course as long as you turn up to your classes and show commitment to your course.

Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies. And you could also get a bonus of £100 in January and July -and again in September if you come back for a second year.

Bonuses depend on the progress you make with your course. That's £500 potential extra money over the two years.

So, not only could you get more cash in your pocket right now, but you're also going to earn yourself a brighter future with better job prospects when you've finished your studies.

Download

To download a student guide to Education Maintenance Allowance, click on the PDF icon below:

Further information and enquiries

For more information or enquiries about Education Maintenance Allowance applications, contact:

EMA Assessment and Payment Body

Freepost

NAT 11897

Darlington

 

Phone: 0808 101 6219

Website: http://www.ema.dfes.gov.uk