Education maintenance allowance

If you are staying on at school for session 2011-2012 you could be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), a weekly allowance of £30 per week designed to encourage young people from low income families to further their education after compulsory schooling ends. It is paid in addition to any money you earn from a part-time job and it won't affect your parent(s)/carer(s) existing benefits. It is also available separately from colleges.

The money is paid directly into your bank/building society account every two weeks during term time. If you do not have your own account you will need to open one. Find out more about opening a bank account.

EMAs are managed locally by the Council on behalf of the Scottish Government, who are ultimately responsible for policy and guidelines. 

When the payments start depends on your school leaving date. If you reach the age of 16 by the end of September 2011 you will qualify from 1 August 2011.  However, if you reach the age of 16 between October 2011 and February 2012 you are not entitled to EMA until 1 January 2012.