EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE

After GCSEs, one of the most pressing matters on the mind of young people is earning some money to help make ends meet.

With this in mind, the Government introduced the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) to encourage young people from lower incomes to stay on in education at school or College.

The great news is that EMA does not affect a household's entitlement to other benefits or a learner's earnings from a part-time job.

Learners are paid a weekly allowance of £10, £20 or £30 a week depending on the household's income, which should not exceed £30,000 and the money is paid directly into a bank account which the learner must have. Annual reapplication for the benefit is also required.

Learners have to apply for EMA, submitting household income figures (Tax Credit award notices can evidence this.)

If the learner qualifies, a Notice of Entitlement (NoE) will be sent out explaining how much will be received each week. This must then be submitted to the Learning Provider to authorise payments. Once authorised, monies will be paid directly into the learner's bank account by the Assessment and Payment Body.

EMA is designed to produce results and is seen as a something for something agreement. Learners must agree and sign a learning agreement and attend all specified classes. If you do well on your course or learning programme, you could receive bonuses as well on top of your weekly allowance.

For the academic year 2005/2006

If your household income is

Up to £20,270 per year	You get £30 per week
£20,271 - £24,850 per year	You get £20 per week
£24,851 - £30,000 per year	You get £10 per week

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EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE

For the academic year 2005/2006