Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Last updated: 03/04/2025
Young people aged 16 to 19 who stay in school or college may get the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Who can get the EMA?
Your child may get the EMA if your income is below £24,421 or £26,884 if you have more than one child who qualifies.
Your child must be studying Further Education full-time.
Further Education is SCQF level 6 including:
- Standard Grades
- National 5
- Highers
- Advanced National Certificates
- SVQs (up to level 3)
- Ordinary National Diplomas
- Advanced Highers
- Modern Apprenticeships that do not form part of a contract of employment
Getting the payment also depends on your child’s attendance at school, or college, and how well they take part in lessons.
Your child can work under 24 hours per week and still get the EMA. Your child’s EMA, or income from working under 24 hours per week, will not reduce any benefits you receive.
How much is it?
EMA is £30 a week.
It is paid every 2 weeks in arears, during term time, into your child’s bank account.
How to apply
Applications are made on a form available from your child’s school, college or your local council.