FAQ: Education Maintenace Allowance (EMA)
What is EMA?
EMA is a fortnightly payment for 16-19 years olds to help with the cost of further education.
How much can I get?
You could receive payments of up to £30 a week, paid fortnightly, and up to three £100 bonus payments per year.
The table below shows how much you could get based on your households income:
You and your family’s benefits will not be affected by EMA.
| Annual Household Income | Weekly EMA Entitlement |
| Up to £22,331 | £30 |
| £22,332 - £27,388 | £20 |
| £27,389 - £33,061 | £10 |
| £33,062 and above | Not Eligible |
Can I get EMA?
You can get EMA if:
- you celebrate your 16th, 17th, 18th or 19th birthday on or between 2 July 2009 and 1 July 2010;
- you have not already received the maximum allowance for EMA;
- you plan on taking a full-time course at school or a minimum of 15 guided hours at a
college in Northern Ireland. Eligible courses include academic and vocational courses up to and including Level 3 (e.g. GSCE, Level, BTEC, NVQ and Basic Skills); - you meet the residence and nationality rules set out for EMA;
- your household income is £33,061 or less per year;
You can’t get EMA if you are receiving a Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (DARD) Bursary.
How can I get it?
To receive your fortnightly payments, you must first sign a Learning Agreement with your school or college, this will set out what is expected of you in terms of attendance, course work and progress.
How do I apply?
You need to complete an EMA application form. This form will be available from your school or college and at www.emani.gov.uk. Remember there is a deadline for applying, see the guidance notes. If you are thinking of applying make sure you open a bank account now.
If you on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of your course and you received EMA last year, we will write to you around June to confirm your EMA, there is no application to complete!
Where can I get further information about EMA?
For more information go to www.emani.gov.uk
Terms and Conditions apply, see application form and guidance for details.
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