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EMA
An 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.
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Who will be eligible for an EMA?
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Will an EMA affect my family or my own benefits?
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What do I need to do?
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How do I apply for an EMA?
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When should I apply?
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How is an EMA calculated?
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Payment of your EMA
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Could my performance at school or college affect my EMA payments?
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How long will the award last?
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Contact details?
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 1989 and 30 September 1992 - may be entitled to receive an award from August 2008
Were born between 1 October 1992 and 28 February 1993 - may be entitled to receive an award from January 2009
Your household income is £32,316 or less (the EMA is a means-tested allowance)
You are living in a foster home or children's home (no proof income required)
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
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
How do I apply for an EMA?
Application forms for 2008/09 session will be available from schools from the beginning of June or by emailing ema@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. If you are intending to go to college you should ask your college for a form and return the completed form to them.
When should I apply?
Applications from students who can receive payments from August 2008 should be submitted by 30 September 2008 for payments to backdated to start of summer term.
Applications from students who can receive payments from January 2009 should be submitted by 29 February 2009 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 2009.
How is an EMA calculated?
The amount of EMA you will receive depends on the total income of the household you are living in:
- Less than £21,835 - payment of £30 per week
- Between £21,836 - £26,769 - payment of £20 per week
- Between £26,770 - £32,316 - payment of £10 per week
- More than £32,316 - no payment
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
