EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMAs): 2007-2008

Are you considering remaining in Education if so you may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

What is an EMA?

EMA is a weekly payment of either £10, £20 or £30, paid directly to eligible young people, aged 16-18 years old who are planning to continue in post-compulsory education.  Successful applicants may also be able to receive two bonus payments of £150, if they remain in education and stick to their Learning Agreement with the school.

Who is entitled to an EMA?

Any young person aged 16-18 years old who is planning to continue in post-compulsory education and whose annual household income is £31,528 or less should apply for an EMA.  Successful applicants must attend a school within the East Lothian Council area for a minimum of 21 guided learning hours per week and must complete a Learning Agreement, which is a contract between the young person and their school.

How is an EMA calculated?

The household income of the pupil will determine the level of EMA payable.  The household income assessment is the same as that used by the Inland Revenue for assessing Tax Credits.  The sum payable reduces from the full award of £30 per week to NIL in the following bandings: -

Household Income               Weekly Payment

 up to £21,302                               £30
 £21,303 - £26,116                       £20
 £26,117 - £31,528                       £10

How is an EMA paid?

It will be paid directly into the pupil’s bank account, no other account will be accepted.  The account must be one that accepts BACS payments (please check with your Bank if you are unsure).

When is an EMA paid?

Payment will normally be made on a fortnightly basis, 2 weeks in arrears.  Bonus payments will be made in January and June/July, as long as the Pupil is sticking to the Learning Agreement and making good progress.

Eligible students, whose 16th birthday falls between 1 October and 28 February will only be entitled to payments from the commencement of the Spring Term in January and will only be considered for 1 bonus payment in July.

How and when do I apply?

If you are eligible to apply for an EMA then please complete the attached application form and return it to East Lothian Council, Education and Children’s Services, Pupil Support at John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.

Late applications will be accepted.  However, these may not be processed in time for the start of the new school session.  Approved applications will be backdated to the start of the term if received:

by 30 September 2007 – for applicants aged 16 –18 years between 1 March 2006 - 30 September 2007
by 29 February 2008 – for applicants aged 16 between 1 October 2007 - 29 February 2008

Applications received after these dates will get payment from the date of receipt of the application, provided that the attendance criteria has been met. 

Individual enquiries delay awards and applicants should avoid contacting Pupil Support about the progress of their application, if possible.

A new application should be submitted annually for each year of study.

Further advice can be obtained from East Lothian Council, Education and Children’s Services, Inclusion & Equality at John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA. 
Telephone: 01620 82 8786.  The Website www.emascotland.com also gives you information on EMA.