Apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance

Young people aged between 16 and 19 who are currently in full-time education or undertaking an Activity Agreement may be entitled to a £30 per week payment.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a means-tested award providing financial support to eligible 16 to 19 year olds who want to continue learning. It also applies to those who are in Home Education.

Students who turned 16 on or after 1 October 2022 can now apply:

  • Apply before 28 February 2023 to have the payments backdated to the start of January term
  • Apply before 31 March 2023 to receive the allowance during the current academic year. Please note that any applications received between 1 March and 31 March will not be backdated; payments will be made from the date the application is received
  • Applications received after 31 March will not be processed and EMA will not be paid

Find out more and apply online

Published: Tuesday, 21st February 2023