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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Home > Services > Education and learning > Information for parents

Do you want to stay in education after 16 but are worried about money?


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


Frequently asked questions?

What is an EMA?

An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £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 2011-2012, all eligible young people aged 16 to 19 years old who plan to continue their education in school from August 2011 can apply as long as the following criteria is met:
The following table sets out the point at which you potentially become eligible (age wise) for an EMA during the academic year 2011-2012:

Date of BirthReceive EMA From
Born between 1 March 1992 and 30 September 1995August 2011
Born between 1 October 1995 and 29 February 1996January 2012

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How much will I get?

The amount you receive depends on the total taxable income for your household in period 2010-2011. 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) or a Council Tax bill/letter for year 2010-2011 stating 25% rebate for single occupancy.


The income thresholds for the EMA Programme, Academic Year 2011-2012 are as follows:

IncomeEMA 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
(These figures are for academic year 2011-2012)

Under both sets of guidelines, your parent(s)/guardian(s) will need to provide evidence of household income for the period April 2010 to April 2011.

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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. back to top

What do I need to do to get my EMA for 2011?

Application packs are now available from all Renfrewshire Secondaries, the Customer Service Centre, or the Customer Service Points located in Johnstone and Renfrew.

You may send your completed application form along with required evidence to the address below, or you can come along in person to the Customer Service Centre, or the Customer Service Points in Johnstone and Renfrew. If you are coming in person, you should bring your completed application form and required evidence with you. Your evidence will then be scanned and returned to you and your application form will be forwarded for processing .

EMA Section
Education and Leisure Services
Renfrewshire Council
South Building
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1LE


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.

Adobe Acrobat PDF iconEMA Application Form 2011-2012 (pdf - 193KB)

Adobe Acrobat PDF iconEMA Application Guidance Notes 2011-2012 (pdf - 106KB)

Adobe Acrobat PDF iconEMA Quick Reference Guide 2011-2012 (pdf - 151KB)

Warning! This pdf may take some time to download due to large file size. You need Adobe Reader to view these documents. Download Adobe Reader here.

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How will my EMA be paid?
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Does my performance at school affect my EMA?

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

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