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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Who does it help?

Broadly speaking, you could get EMA if:

• you are 16, 17 or 18, and
• you have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, and
• you are carrying on with your studies.

EMA schemes in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own EMA schemes. You must apply to the country where you plan to study in.

Is it means-tested?

If you qualify, the amount you get is calculated by looking at your household income. It is not affected by any money you earn from part-time work and will not make any difference to any benefits your parents get.

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own financial limits.

In England, the financial limits are:

What help does the benefit provide?

EMA comes in the form of money which goes directly into your bank account. You can spend the money as you want. However, you will only get your money if you regularly attend and work hard on your course and it is only paid during term-times. 

How much does it pay?

EMA comes in weekly payments of £10, £20 or £30, depending on the income of your household (see above). On top of your weekly amount, you may also get bonuses if you continue to do well and meet targets set by your teacher when you start.

How to claim

You apply to the country where you are studying.  For example, if you are an English student studying in Wales, apply for Welsh EMA. If you are Scottish and learning in England, apply for English EMA. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can apply by phone.  EMA helpline staff will help you with your application. Contact them on:

• England –  0800 121 8989
• Wales – 0845 602 8845
• Northern Ireland – 0845 601 7646
• Scotland – there is no helpline, but you can get more information from the EMA Scotland website (link opens in a new window). 

Or you can apply on paper.  You can get an an EMA application form from your school, college or learning provider, or, if you live in England, you could contact your Connexions personal adviser for one.

Documents you need

Your parent or carer will need to send evidence of the household income for the relevant tax year. This might be their Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602), or P60.

You will also need a bank account so the money can be paid into it.  You have to give details of your bank account when you apply for EMA.  To open a bank account, you will need evidence of who you are, for example, a passport or driving licence.  See also the section on Banking.

Further help

Directgov, the government website, has more information about EMAs in England (link opens in a new window) .

See Directgov (link opens in a new window) for more information about EMAs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Find an adviser tool.

Frequently asked questions on education

This information has been produced by Citizens Advice. 

Last updated: 25 August 2009