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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

piggybankAn EMA is an allowance of up to £30 per week (not paid during school holidays), which can be paid to eligible students who stay on in education after the age of 16 years. There are also two bonus payments of £150 (depending on your start date) if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.

Following a review and consultation on the EMA, Scottish Government Ministers have decided to refocus EMA to target support more effectively at those young people who need it most. The household income of the young person will determine their eligibility for an EMA. Please see Who will be eligible for an EMA? below.

Who will be eligible for an EMA?

You may be granted, at the discretion of Aberdeenshire Council or your College if you:

Were born between 1 March 1990 and 30 September 1993 - may be entitled to receive an award from August 2009

Were born between 1 October 1993 and 28 February 1994 - may be entitled to receive an award from January 2010.

FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED EMA BEFORE ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-10

Where the income is £33,157 per annum or less the young person will be eligible, and will be awarded a weekly allowance of £10, £20 or £30 depending on their situation.

You are living in a foster home or children's home (no proof income required)

FOR STUDENTS WHO APPLY AND QUALIFY FOR EMA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2009-10

Where the household income is £20,351 or less the young person will be eligible, and will be awarded a weekly allowance of £30.  Young people from households with more than one child in full-time education and where the household income is £22,403 or less will also be eligible for a weekly payment of £30 per week.

You are living in a foster home or children's home (no proof income required)

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Will an EMA affect my family or my own benefits?

An EMA is paid in addition to other support and benefits provided by the Government. Your family won't lose out on other money if you get an EMA.

It will not affect your parents' Child Benefit

It won't affect any money you earn form a part-time job either
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What do I need to do?

You must attend all your course sessions and sign an EMA Learning Agreement with your school. This agreement will set out what is expected of you in terms of:

  • Attendance
  • Coursework
  • Progress
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How do I apply for an EMA?

Application forms for 2009/10 session are now available from schools or by emailing ema@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Please note that application forms requested through the direct.gov website are not acceptable as they only relate to pupils and students living and studying in England.

If you are intending to go to college you should ask your college for a form and return the completed form to them.

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When should I apply?

Applications from students who can receive payments from August 2009 should be submitted by 30 September 2009 for payments to backdated to start of summer term.

Applications from students who can receive payments from January 2010 should be submitted by 28 February 2010 for payments to be backdated to start of January term.

Late applications from students can be accepted, but payments will only start from the date Aberdeenshire Council or your college receive the completed application form.

Please note: - The last day we can accept application forms is 31 March 2010.
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How is an EMA calculated?

The amount of EMA you will receive depends on the total income of the household you are living in.

FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED EMA BEFORE ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-10

  • Less than £22,403 - payment of £30 per week
  • Between £22,404 - £27,465 - payment of £20 per week
  • Between £27,466 - £33,156 - payment of £10 per week
  • More than £33,156 - no payment

FOR STUDENTS WHO APPLY AND QUALIFY FOR EMA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2009-10

  • Eligibility for £30 per week will be for those in households of income of up to £20,351 and income of up to £22,403 for households with more than one dependent child (as well as applying to all children under the age of 16, this applies to those who are over the age of 16 and up to the age of 25if they are in further or higher education and are parentally supported).

Bonuses of £150 may be paid at the end of January and the end of June. These bonuses will take into account:

  • Your attendance
  • Your behavior
  • Your attitude
  • Your course work
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Payment of your EMA

  • When is the EMA paid?
    The EMA is paid into your bank account every two weeks. The payment will cover your previous two weeks attendance at school or college.
  • What if I don't have a bank account?
    If you don't have a bank or building society account you will need to open one. The account must be one that accepts BACS payments (please check with your bank or building society if you are unsure)
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Could my performance at school or college affect my EMA payments?

Yes, payments can be withheld without warning if your attendance falls below 100%, unless all absence has been covered by a medical certificate or has been approved by your school or college.

Lateness can also affect payments.
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How long will the award last?

An award, if made, will be for one school year only and a new application must be submitted each year.
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Contact Details

EMA Team
Education, Learning & Leisure
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB

Tel: 01224 665577

Email: ema@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Young People planning to study at college should contact their Further Education College for more details.