How to apply for Education Maintenance Allowance

The Education Maintenance Allowance, known as EMA, is worth up to £30 a week and is paid straight into your bank account. What you need to do to apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance.

Please note

EMA application forms and guidance notes for 2012/13 will be available from April 2012.

Applying for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

You can apply for an EMA by using the downloadable form which is available at the bottom of this article, or you can get one from your school, FE college or local Jobs and Benefits Office.

local Jobs & Benefits Office (employment section)

If you got EMA last year and you are continuing with your studies in academic year 2012/13, we'll send you a letter to let you know if you are eligible for EMA. If you have not received this by the end of April 2012, please call the Customer Services Team on 0845 601 7646.

What do you do next?

think about what course you might want to do and where you might want to study
set up a bank account, you should allow time for this prior to sending in your application
download/complete the application form, which is also available in schools and FE colleges

Notice of Entitlement

If you are eligible for an EMA you will receive a 'Notice of Entitlement' from the EMA Scheme Provider which explains how much you could get once you have enrolled on a course and started attending school or FE college from September 2012.

Enrolment and EMA Learning Agreement

Next you have to enrol at a school or college. You have to sign an EMA Learning Agreement in two parts. The first part covers what sessions you must attend and in most cases will also make reference to the course you are studying. It might also refer to the Code of Behaviour expected within the school or FE college. So to get your payment you have to attend all their sessions.

There are also bonus payments of £100 if you remain on your course and make satisfactory progress with your learning.

Download an EMA application form

Completed application forms

Completed application forms should be sent to:

EMA Customer Services
PO Box 5591
Glasgow
G52 9BJ

Further information

Further information on how to apply is available from your school, college or Jobs & Benefits Office, or the EMA Customer Services Team on 0845 601 7646.