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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

piggybankAn EMA is an allowance of £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.

Application forms for session 2012/13 will be available to download here from mid-June onwards.

Pupils who received an EMA award for session 2011/12 are required to complete an application form for session 2012/13.

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 1992 and 30 September 1995 - you may be entitled to receive an award from August 2011.

Were born between 1 October 1995 and 29 February 1996 - you may be entitled to receive an award from January 2012.

FOR STUDENTS WHO APPLY AND QUALIFY FOR EMA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2011/12

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 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
  • Progresstop of page

How do I apply for an EMA?

Application forms and guidance notes for session 2011/12 are available to download here from mid-June 2012.

Alternatively if you do not have a home PC then you can request an application form from your school or you can contact the EMA team at Woodhill on (01224) 665577 or ema@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Completed forms should be sent to the contact address below. Please ensure that ALL the pages of the form are returned.

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 2011 should be submitted by 30 September 2011 for payments to be backdated to start of summer term.

Applications from students who can receive payments from January 2012 should be submitted by 29 February 2012 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 final date for the EMA Team to receive application forms is 31 March 2012.
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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. Payments can only be made into the bank account of the applicant.
  • 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). top of page

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 academic 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