Education Maintenance Allowance
Get paid to go to college.
What is it?
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a means-tested benefit for students who stay on at school or college after their GCSEs in England (details of EMA arrangements if you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland are available on the DirectGov website). Unlike Child Benefit, which is paid to parents, EMA is paid direct into your own bank account, to be spent how you like.
The scheme is aimed at getting students from lower-income families to stay on in education.
How much will I get?
If your household income is up to £20,817 per year, you get £30 per week. If your household income is between £20,818 and £25,521 per year, you get £20 per week. If it's between £25,522 and £30,810 per year, you get £10 per week. Bad luck if your household income is over £30,810 as you will not be entitled to anything.
Who is eligible?
- Those with a household income under £30,810 per year.
- Those aged 16,17 or 18 and have left or be about to leave compulsory education but remain in full-time further education at a school or college, or a LSC-funded diploma or Entry to Employment course.
- UK nationals, those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or those with refugee status.
- Some students from EU countries who are studying here.
How do I claim?
Ask at your school or college about EMA. You will need to open a bank account as the details will be required with your application form. Obtain an application form from your teacher or telephone 0800 121 8989.
Higher Education Student Support Guarantee (HESSG)
The HESSG will be introduced from September 2008 for 16 year-olds who qualify for an Education Maintenance Allowance. It means that you can find out what financial support will be available to you if you decide to progress into full-time higher education.
