What's an EMA?

EMAs provide financial support to all eligible young people from low income families who undertake a full time course at school or college. The programme is managed by your Local Education Authority or your College.

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Why have EMAs?

Research shows that young people from low income families are much less likely to stay on at school or college after compulsory education. As a result, many leave without the minimum qualifications needed to get a job and can end up socially excluded.

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How does it work?

	EMAs are paid direct to young people, via their bank account.
	EMA is a weekly allowance payable during term time, with additional bonuses paid for attendance, achievement, progression and behaviour. These are all paid to the young person.
	The weekly allowance normally depends on the financial circumstances of the family.
	The EMA is a weekly allowance and can only be paid for full weeks within term time up to a maximum of 42 weeks in any one academic year and only where 100% weekly attendance has been achieved by the young person.
	EMA payments are not made during short term time holidays which include the October week, Christmas and Easter.
	Payment of an EMA is normally restricted to a maximum of three years for any individual student. However, some young people with additional support needs may be entitled to up to 4 years support.
	Within the college sector, a young person can be on either an EMA or a maintenance bursary but not both. A young person on an EMA may still be entitled to other forms of bursary support, for example a travel bursary.
	The applicant must have a current signed Learning Agreement and they must adhere to the conditions of that Learning Agreement.
	The applicant must normally be on a recognised full time course of study, in a school or College. Within the school sector, for EMA purposes "full time" means at least 21 guided learning hours per week.