Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

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You may be able to get up to £30 a week Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if you are 16 to 19 and staying on in full time education.


For academic year 2010-2011 the Scottish Government has introduced two major changes to the EMA process.

The first is that, from academic year 2010-2011, bonus payments will no longer be part of the programme. The second is that they will be reviewing the EMA programme in December 2010. Any awards issued to young people for academic year 2010-2011 are therefore only guaranteed until December 2010.


Frequently asked questions?

• What is an EMA?
• Who is entitled to an EMA?
• How much will I get?
• How long can I get an EMA for?
• How do you assess my household income?
• Will EMA affect my family's/my benefits?
• What do I need to do to get my EMA for 2010?
• How will my EMA be paid?
• Does the pupil's performance affect the EMA?
• Where can I find out more information about applying for an EMA?

What is an EMA?

An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to young people who continue in full-time education after they reach the statutory leaving age.

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Who is entitled to an EMA?

For academic year 2010-2011, all eligible young people aged 16 to 19 years old who plan to continue their education in school from August 2010 can apply as long as the following criteria is met:

• You must attend a school in the Renfrewshire Council area,
• Your household income falls within the approved income thresholds set by the Scottish Government,
• Your course must involve at least 21 hours of guided learning per week
• You must agree to and sign a valid Learning Agreement with your school

The following table sets out the point at which you potentially become eligible (age wise) for an EMA during the academic year 2010-2011:

Date of Birth	Receive EMA From
Born between 1 March 1991 and 30 September 1994	August 2010
Born between 1 October 1994 and 28 February 1995	January 2011

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How much will I get?

The amount you receive depends on the total taxable income for your household in period 2009-2010. Where there is only one income in the household proof of lone parent status will also be required i.e. Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN), Council Tax bill / letter stating 25% rebate for single occupancy or a child benefit letter.

For academic year 2010-2011 the Scottish Government has introduced some changes to the EMA process.

If you have previously received EMA payments prior to academic year 2009-2010 then the following thresholds will apply to you:

Income	EMA Payment
Up to £22,403 a year	£30 a week
£22,404 - £27,465 a year	£20 a week
£27,466 - £33,156 a year	£10 a week
£33,157 and over	£0

If you are a new EMA applicant and have never received any EMA payments in the past then the following thresholds will apply to you:

Income	EMA Payment
£0 to £22,403 For families with more than one dependant child in the household.	£30 a week
£0 to £20,351 For families with a single dependent child in the household.	£30 a week

Under both sets of guidelines, your parent(s)/guardian(s) will need to provide evidence of household income for the period April 2009

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How long can I get an EMA for?

You can get an EMA for up to three years. 'Vulnerable' young people may receive support for up to three years within a four-year period. You have to make a new application each year.

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How do you assess my household income?

We look at the income of adults in your home who have a caring or parental responsibility for you. In most cases this will be your parent or parents, but could be grandparents or another family member. We assess your income using your parents/carers Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN) or your parent/carers P60 details for 2010/2011.

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Will EMA affect my family's / my benefits?

EMA is paid in addition to other support and benefits provided by the Government. Your family won't lose out on other money if you get an EMA.

• It will not affect your parent's Child Benefit.
• It won't affect any money you earn from a part-time job either.

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What do I need to do to get my EMA for 2010?

Applications can be picked up from your local school office, Customer Service Centre based in Cotton Street and the Johnstone and Renfrew Neighbourhood Offices.

EMA Application can be downloaded from this web page but please note application is 16 pages long. Also available is the EMA application guidance detailing how to complete the application form and the EMA quick reference guide.

EMA Application form for 2010-2011 (180kb)

EMA Application Guidance (120kb)

EMA Quick Reference Guide (92kb)

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How will my EMA be paid?

• The EMA will be paid fortnightly, 2 weeks in arrears.
• The EMA will be paid directly into the students bank account. If they do not have a bank or building society account they will need to open one. This account must be one that accepts BACS payments (please check with your bank if you are unsure).
• The EMA will not be paid during school holidays and will only be paid for weeks in attendance at school.

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Does my performance at school affect my EMA?

Yes, payment can be withheld without warning based on the following:

• If attendance falls below 100% in any one week.
• Lateness can also affect payments.
• If Learning Agreement conditions are not met.

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Where can I find out more information about applying for an EMA?

Find out more on the EMA Scotland website or contact us:

• email: ema.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 842 4488
• write to:
  EMA Section
  Education and Leisure Services
  Renfrewshire Council
  South Building
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1LE

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