Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and about to leave, or have already left compulsory education, you may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is a payment of up to £30 per week to assist with the costs of your education; e.g. transport, books, materials and visits. Eligibility for claiming EMA is based on household income with the upper limit being £30,810 per year.
EMA payments are £30, £20 or £10 per week and the exact amount you'll receive will depend on your household income. On top of your weekly allowance, you could receive bonuses if you do well on your course or learning programme, and meet certain targets.
Further information on Education Maintenance Allowance can be found on the EMA website
www.direct.gov.uk/ema, or call the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219. Information and advice is also available from Student Services tel: 01757 211040, or from your local Connexions office.