Education Maintenance Allowance

If you are planning to continue in education after summer you could be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), a weekly allowance designed to encourage young people from low income families to further their education after their 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. EMAs are managed locally by the Council on behalf of the Scottish Government, who are ultimately responsible for policy and guidelines. 

I already get an EMA but I'm staying on for a further year. Do I have to re-apply?

Yes, you must reapply as we reassess your entitlement annually. Your award stops in July 2009.

What criteria must I meet to qualify?

• You must reach the age of 16 by the end of February 2010;
• You must have resided in the UK or European Economic Area for at least 3 years;
• You must undertake at least 21 guided learning hours at school, including study periods.

How much will I get?

On 13 May 2009, the Scottish Government announced changes to EMA entitlement. See some Frequently Asked Questions about these changes.

First-time applicants*

Only one payment band of £30 per week is available to first-time applicants, where the total household income is £20,351 or less. For households with more than one person in full time education, up to the age of 25, the income threshold is £22,403 (evidence required).

Existing applicants*

The income thresholds for 2008-2009 are as follows:

* If you are living independently you automatically qualify for £30 per week.

How is it paid?

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. 

When does it start?

When you can get an EMA is dependent upon your school leaving date.  If you reach the age of 16 by the end of September 2009 you will qualify from 1 August 2009.  However, if you reach the age of 16 between October 2009 and February 2010 you will qualify from 1 January 2010.

How do I apply?

You must complete an application form.  If you are starting a college course you must contact your college directly.  If you are staying on at school please e-mail us (school.grants@edinburgh.gov.uk) with your name, date of birth, which school you attend and your full address, and we will send you a form. From July you can also get a form from any leisure centre or library and from your school after the session begins.  You need to enclose original evidence of your household income and send this together with your application form in the pre-paid envelope provided.

You must apply before 30 September 2009 or you may lose out!  If you won't qualify until January 2010 you have a little longer to apply, until 28 February 2010. We will send you a letter to let you know we have received your form within 2 weeks of receipt.

What do I need to send?

The evidence you need to send depends upon your family circumstances. Your award is based on your parent(s)/carer(s) total household income for the tax year 2008-2009. Most families receive tax credits and the total household income is given on a tax credits award for 06/04/2009 to 05/04/2010 or a final tax credits decision for 06/04/2008 to 05/04/2009. Find out more about tax credits.

If your parent(s)/carer(s) do not receive tax credits you must send us alternative evidence of their household income and evidence of lone parent status if applicable, to support your application.  Below is a list of the most common types of evidence we accept.  Make sure your parent(s)/carer(s) keep these in a safe place as you may need them!

• P60/P60u certificate of earnings from employment/ pension/taxable benefits
• SA302 self-assessment tax calculation (self-employed)
• P11D certificate of expenses and benefits from employer
• Completed certificate of benefits (enclosed with form)
• Interest statements/tax vouchers (from savings)
• Social Security benefit or state pension award letter
• Council Tax demand notice (for lone parent status)
• Child benefit award letter (to confirm the number of children in household)

Please note that all documentation must be relevant to the tax year 2008-2009.

For more information about EMA including policy please visit the EMA Scotland website.