Education Maintenance Allowance
What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?
An EMA is an allowance of up to £30 per week which can be paid to eligible young people who stay on in education after their official school leaving date.
To receive an EMA you must also complete a Learning Agreement, which is a contract between you and your educational establishment.
Who can apply?
An EMA may be granted at the discretion of the local authority to anyone who:
- remains in full time education between 16 and 19 (inclusive)
- is attending a school or college in the Stirling Council catchment area
- is following a recognised full-time course of study
When do I apply?
Application forms are available in schools, libraries and local offices from the beginning of March. The closing date for applications for session 2008/2009 is 31 March 2009.
How is an Education Maintenance Allowance calculated?
EMA awards will be payable according to the total income of your household:
| Household Income | Weekly Payment |
| 0 to £21,835 | £30 |
| £21,836 - ££26,769 | £20 |
| £26,770 - £32,316 | £10 |
| over £32,316 | No award |
Bonuses of £150 may be paid in January and June/July. These bonuses will take into account attendance, behaviour, attitude and progress/attainment measured against the Learning Agreement.
What happens if an application form is incomplete?
All incomplete and unsupported applications will be returned.
What if I am unable to provide all the information required?
A provisional award is made when you or your parents have been TEMPORARILY unable to supply details on which a final assessment can be made. Acceptance of a provisional award must be on the clear understanding that the award remains to be finalised. Finalisation of an award may result in any overpayment being reclaimed by the authority.
Can applications be made from more than one child in the family?
Yes, if they are eligible to leave school.
When is an EMA paid?
It will be paid 2 weekly, 2 weeks in arrears.
How is the EMA paid?
It will be paid directly into your bank account. The bank account requires to be in the student's name. If you do not have a bank or building society account you will need to open one. This account must be one which accepts BACS payments - please check with your bank or building society if you are unsure.
Will I be paid for school holidays?
No - you will only be paid for weeks in attendance at school, up to a maximum of 41 weeks.
Does my performance at school affect the EMA?
Yes - payment can be withheld without warning.
If your attendance falls below 100% in any week no payment will be made for that week unless all absence has been covered by a medical certificate or has been approved by education staff.
- Lateness can also affect payments
- Full attendance requirements will be issued to all successful applicants
- If Learning Conditions are not met (attainment and conduct).
What period does the application cover?
If an award is made it will be for one school year only, and a new application must be sumitted each year.
The application form should be returned to:
Children's Services
Viewforth
Stirling
FK8 2ET
For more information about EMAs visit www.emascotland.com
This information is intended as a general guide and should not be regarded as a statement of the statutory position.
Email: ema@stirling.gov.uk
