How much EMA can I get?

Depending on your age, you can get EMA for up to 3 years. You must apply each year.

The maximum weekly EMA payment is £30 paid fortnightly. To decide how much you get, we look at your household’s annual income. EMA payments will not affect any benefits that you or your household already get.

Dependent students

If you depend on your parent(s) or guardian(s) we will use their income to decide how much EMA you can get.

Independent students

You are an independent student if:

• you are estranged from your parent(s) or guardian(s) and NOT living under Local Authority care;
• you are living under Local Authority care, for example with foster parents;
• you receive income support in your own name;
• you are responsible for your own child; or
• you are classed as a Youth Offender- see below

If you are independent, your household income means your income plus that of any partner you live with. We will use this to decide how much EMA you can get.

If you work part-time, this income is not counted when we look at your household income.

Young Offenders

As a young offender, expecting to leave custody, you can apply for EMA. You must apply while you are still in custody. If this applies to you or someone you know please contact your local Youth Offending Team for further information and an application form.

Amounts

Find out how much you could get with our calculator:

• Calculator for courses starting September 2009

Courses starting 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010:

Here are the household incomes and the amounts you could get:

As well as a weekly allowance, you may also receive bonus payments of £100.

Payments are made directly to your bank or building society account, so you must have one before applying for EMA. To open a bank account you should speak to a local bank, or your parents or guardians for help. Remember that the account must accept direct credits.

If you cannot open a bank or building society account in your own name, please contact us.