Education Maintenance Allowance

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £30 to support young people aged 16–19 who choose to stay on in education after their statutory leaving date. The allowance is designed to help with the cost of learning and is available to eligible students from low-income households.

Who Can Apply?

• Pupils must be aged 16–19 and attending school full-time.

• Household income must fall below the threshold set by the Scottish Government (currently £24,421 or £26,884 depending on the number of dependent children)

• Pupils must meet the school’s attendance and behaviour requirements to continue receiving payments.
  
  

How to Apply:
Applications for EMA are made through your local council. You can find full details, eligibility criteria, and an online application form by visiting:
👉 https://forms.cne-siar.gov.uk/form/auto/ecs_ema 

You will need to provide:

• Proof of household income (e.g. P60 or benefit letter)

• Bank account details (for payment)
  
  

Deadlines:

• Pupils who are eligible from the start of term should apply by 31 March 2025  to receive backdated payments.

• Late applications are accepted, but payments will not be backdated unless submitted by the deadline.
  
  

If you need help with your application or have any questions, please speak to the school office or your Guidance teacher.