Southampton City Council fact sheet
Who is the Service for?
You can apply for EMA if you are thinking of starting from 1st September 2007:
• A full time further education course at a college or school;
• An LSC funded Entry to Employment (e2e) programme; or
• A course that leads to an Apprenticeship
You can also apply for if you are leaving school in the summer of 2007, and intend to start from 2nd July 2007 an LSC funded Entry to employment (e2e) programme or a course that leads to an Apprenticeship
How can you access the service?
You can contact the EMA helpline on:
0808 101 6129 or visit the website at www.direct.gov.uk/ema
What is EMA?
Education Maintenance Allowance (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.
If I were entitled to EMA what would I receive?
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 (there will a contact between the you and the learning provider). Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies.
You could also get bonuses too on top of the weekly allowance. You could receive bonuses if you do well on your course or learning programme, and meet certain targets.
What is a learning provider?
The 6th Form School/college, Further Education College or Special School.
Who is entitled to EMA?
You are entitled to EMA if:
• Your household income is up to £30,810 per year. You will need to check this with your parent or carer.
• Your 16th birthday is between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006.
• You're a UK national born here or have UK citizenship or a UK passport; or
• Have indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter, or refugee status; or
• Come from a European Union or European Economic Area country and have lived in the UK for at least three years and satisfy the Home Student criteria (contact www.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information)
Will EMA affect any other benefits?
EMA will not affect any other benefits your family might get. It's paid on top of any other support provided by the government, or any earnings from your part-time job.
How much household income is taken into account to receive EMA?
In a household where income is up to £20,817 per annum (per year), you will receive £30 per week.
In a household where income of £20,817 to £25,521 per annum (per year), you will receive £20 per week.
In a household where income of £25,521 to £30,810 per annum (per year), you will receive £10 per week.
How is EMA paid?
It is paid directly into the 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.
How does the application process work?
• You apply for EMA by completing the EMA application form.
• If you are eligible you will receive a Notice of Entitlement (NoE) and a contract.
• The contact is given to the learning provider and you will then sigh up to a learning agreement.
• The learning providers will notify the Assessment and Payment Body of the payment decisions, which will then make payments directly into your bank account.
• Make sure you've set up a basic bank account - ask for more details and help at any local bank branch.
How do I apply for EMA?
You can get an application pack by ringing 0808 101 6219 or by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/ema
The application form is also available from Connexions Personal Advisers and from schools/colleges.
Contact Name
Last updated: 12 October 2007