Further Education

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

• Is paid directly to you
• Is worth £10-£30 a week, term time, depending on your household income (how much your parents/carers earn in a year)
• Will pay out a bonus if you meet agreed goals
• Doesn’t affect any other benefits you may be claiming

To qualify for the EMA:

• Your household income should be no more than £30,810
• You should be aged 16-19
• You should be doing at least 12 hours of learning a week at school, college or with a training provider
• You must sign a learning agreement

(Please note. As this is financial information is can change year to year. All figures are for 2008/9)

You can now get EMA for up to 3 years even if your household income changes. (Though the amount you get may need to be re-assessed)

If you are 16 years old and receiving EMA last year during 2008/9, you are also guaranteed a minimum level of support if they go on to University (for example, you may get a loan or grant to help pay tuition fees).

For more information and to check whether you can receive EMA, ring the free helpline on 0808 1016 219 or check the EMA website.

Learner Support Funds / School Access Scheme

Contact individual colleges or sixth forms for more information on Learner Support Funds and School Access Scheme. This type of funding:

• Can help with some of the costs of a course e.g. books, equipment, visits / field trips
• Is for students in greatest need; whether you can claim depends on household income and / or family circumstances