Entitlement to an Education Maintenance Allowance in academic year 2012/13

Information on how to apply for the Education Maintenance Allowanace and the amount you may receive refers to academic year 2012/13

What are the key features of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

Fortnightly payment bands depending on household income.

up to £22,930 - £30 EMA
£22,931 - £28,125 - £20 EMA
£28,126 - £33,950 - £10 EMA
£33,951 or above - no award made.

It is available for both academic and vocational courses and there are also bonus payments of £100 if you remain on your course and make satisfactory progress with your learning.

Payments will be made directly to your bank account so if you haven't got one you will need to open an account before applying for EMA. If you need help or advice on setting up a bank account talk to your parent or carer, or visit your local bank. Please note that it may take a few weeks to set up a bank account, so you should allow for this before you send in your application.

If you are a student who has Special Educational Needs and require your payments to be made to another individual, you can supply bank account details of the nominated individual. If you require further information or advice please contact the EMA Customer Services Team on 0845 601 7646.

Will EMA affect my family's or my own benefits?

The simple answer is no. EMA is paid on top of other support and benefits provided by the government, so your family won't lose out on other money if you get EMA. It will not affect your parents' or carer's Child Benefit and wont be affected by any money you earn from a part-time job either.

How will the income assessment work?

Depending on your exact circumstances you will be able to submit your Tax Credit Award Notification (TCAN) as evidence of income. If for some reason you do not have a TCAN, other evidence of income will be acceptable.

Receipt of EMA will not affect any other benefits being received in the household. For example, if your only income is Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support, those benefits will not be reduced if your son or daughter claims EMA.

EMA Customer Services

This is a dedicated helpline for young people and parents and is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday closed. Call 0845 601 7646.