Information for School Leavers

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

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.

From April 2006, EMA was extended to those young people on an LSC-funded E2E course or taking a learning programme that leads to an apprenticeship.

Who is Entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance?

Around half of all 16-year-olds learning in England should be able to get EMA. See if you fit the bill below:

  • Your household income is up to £30,810 per year. You will need to check this with your parent or carer.
  • You are 16, 17 or 18 at the start of your course.
  • You meet residency criteria

Your Weekly Payments

Overall, your household income has to be up to £30,810 (earned during the previous tax-year to the course start e.g. for 2008/2009 course starts, income is based on earnings in the 2007/2008 tax-year) to qualify for EMA. If it is, check out what's due to you below:

For The Academic Year 2008/2009

Household Income You Get
up to £20,817 per year £30 per week
£20,818 - £25,521 per year £20 a week
£25,522 - £30,810 per year £10 a week

Further Information

For more information visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/ema/.

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