Apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA eligibility, guidance and how to apply

Before you begin:

  • this form needs to be completed in part by the student and in part by their parent/carer - please ensure both parties are present when completing the form
  • you will need an electronic copy of any relevant evidence of income like: full universal credit online journal statement, P60s, share certificates, and/or P45
  • you will need an electronic copy (a photo will be accepted) of the student's passport or birth certificate 

Please refer to the Guidance Notes before completing the form: open the Guidance Notes

You must:

  1. complete the form in full
  2. upload your household income evidence
  3. the student and parent/carer(s) must tick the agreements at the end of the form

Failure to do this may result in a delay to EMA payments being made.

Please note:

  1. the parent/carer email address provided on the online form will be used to request any additional information that is required to allow the processing of the application
  2. the student email address provided on the online form will be used to send out the Learning Agreement if the application is approved.  The return of the Learning Agreement by the student will be timed-limited and can affect the backdating of payments if the deadline is missed.  The student email address provided should be checked regularly.
  3. It can take up to 28 days for the EMA Team to process an application form.

The parent/carer should contact the EMA team on emas@eastlothian.gov.uk if there are exceptional circumstances which may limit the student providing information or responding to emails so we can agree alternative options.

Autumn intake

If your birthday falls between 1 March and 30 September you may be eligible for an EMA from the start of the academic year.  If you are eligible for an EMA your application must be submitted by 30 September, if your application is received after this date the award will only be paid from the date the application is received by the EMA Team.

Winter intake

If your 16th birthday falls between 1 October and 28 February you may be eligible for an EMA from the start of the January Term.  If you are eligible for an EMA your application must be submitted by 28 February, if your application is received after this date the award will only be paid from the date the application is received by the EMA Team.

Cut-off date

The cut-off date for processing applications forms for the academic year is 31 March.  No applications will be processed after this date.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the application form, please email the EMA Team on: emas@eastlothian.gov.uk

Other useful numbers

Carer’s Allowance Helpline – 0345 608 4321

Child Benefit Helpline – 0300 200 3100

Universal Credit Helpline – 0345 600 0723

HMRC Self Assessment Helpline – 0300 200 3310

Apply for EMA online