Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is cash in your hands to help you carry on learning. If you’re 16, 17 or 18 and have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, then it could be for you. EMA spells fewer money worries with up to £30 a week during term time – leaving you to get on with your studies.
The following table gives you a guide as to whether you might qualify:
1. You need to be 16, 17 or 18 and have left – or be about to leave – compulsory education.
2. You need to be enrolled on a course in England which is either:
- a full-time further education course at a college or school
- an LSC-funded Diploma (where available) or a course that leads to an Apprenticeship
- an LSC-funded Entry to Employment (e2e) course (if your e2e course starts on or after 30 June 2008, you’ll get the maximum £30 weekly EMA payment, regardless of your household income)
3. To qualify for EMA in the academic year starting in September 2009 your annual household income must be below £30,810 (for tax year 2008/2009). If you have a part-time job – any money you earn isn’t included in your overall household income.
Your household income
(for financial year 2008/2009) |
How much EMA you get |
| up to £20,817 per year |
£30 per week |
| £20,818 - £25,521 per year |
£20 a week |
| £25,522 - £30,810 per year |
£10 a week |
| more than £30,810 per year |
no entitlement to EMA |
| Source: http://ema.direct.gov.uk/ |
|
For more information visit: http://ema.direct.gov.uk/
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
ALG is there to give you a helping hand towards travel, study materials or other costs you might incur while you’re studying. If you’re an adult taking a full-time course, you could get up to £30 per week during term time - that’s around £1,000 a year. You can use ALG to study for a wide range of qualifications, including BTECs, NVQs, GSCEs and A-levels.
For more details on the Adult Learning Grant please click [HERE] (External Link)