Apply for EMA
Friday 22 August 2008
Got your GCSEs and thinking about staying on? If you're between 16 and 18 years old and fancy doing further study but are worried about any costs involved, don't worry - you may be entitled to help!
EMA helps
The stress of waiting for you results are finally over but if you're thinking of staying on in education you might now be worried about how you and your parents are going to pay for it. The Educational Maintenance Allowance was set up to help young people with some extra cash through learning. You can use the extra money for anything you want: driving lessons, travel, food, or stuff for your course. So worry no more!
Future dreams
Everyone has different dreams and aspirations for the future. An EMA and the extra cash can help you work out what you enjoy, what you’re good at and how to get what you want from life.
Watch this video and see how easy it is to get money to learn.
How much do I get?
The EMA comes in weekly payments of £10, £20 or £30 depending on your parents or carers’ income and is paid directly into your bank account.
However you will only get your money if you attend your course regularly. If you show commitment and achieve targets set out by your tutors, you could also receive bonuses!
Do I qualify?
You are qualified for EMA if:
- You are 16, 17 or 18 and have left – or be about to leave – compulsory education.
- You are or will be enrolled on a course in England which is either: a full time course at college or school, LSC-funded Diploma or Entry or a course that leads to an Apprenticeship.
- Your parents’ annual household income is below £30,810.
Do you qualify? Now all you have to do is apply.
How do I apply?
You can apply by phone on 0800 121 8989 or by paper. Your school, college or Connexions personal adviser can provide you with an application form.
You can find more information at the Directgov EMA microsite.
What’s next?
If you are eligible for EMA, a Notice of Entitlement (NOE) will be sent to you confirming the weekly amount you will receive. Keep this safe as you might need it later on.
At the start of the school term you have to sign a contract with your college which details what’s expected of you. This will also double up as a record of your progression over the course of the year. Try to stay committed!
To find out what courses are available in your area, take a look at your local 14-19 prospectus.
DirectGov also has loads of info about staying on including sources of extra funding and how to apply for them. There's even a video to help you out.
Good luck!
