Education Maintenance Allowance

A new application must be submitted each year using the correct application form – these forms are available from:

• Highland Council Service Points
• Highland Council Service Centre telephone 01349 886659 
• Download Application Form for Academic year starting August 2009 please use EMA Application Form 2009-10 (pdf 201kb)

The information below is intended as a general guide and it should not be regarded as a statement of the statutory position.

The current application form for young adults attending Highland Council (Scotland) schools/learning centres can be downloaded from the link on the right.   Young adults attending college or university should apply direct to the college or university.

What is an EMA?

An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of up to £30 per week payable to eligible young adults who stay on in full-time education at school or college after their 16th birthday.  It can be paid for a maximum of 3 consecutive years, with, usually, 2 years at most in secondary school.

The young person has to satisfy attendance requirements and also, they have to complete a EMA Learning Agreement 2009-10 (pdf 75kb) will be provided for this or for those in other education, an Activity Agreement; a contract between the young person and their school or Learning Centre before payments can be issued.

Note – no payments will be issued until a Learning Agreement/Activity Agreement has been completed.   The school or Learning Centre will then notify the EMA Unit that the Learning Agreement/Activity Agreement has been completed.  The school/Learning Centre will authorise the necessary weeks owing and payments will be picked up at the next available payment date. 

It is the responsibility of the young adult applying to approach their school/supervisor in regard to completing their Learning Agreement/Activity Agreement.

For more information see Frequently Asked Questions

Information about bank accounts and financial issues can be obtained from this link:
www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/products/bank_accounts/bank_accounts.html

To contact EMA Unit for further information:
EMA Unit
Highland Council
Town House
INVERNESS
IV1 1JJ       

Telephone number: 01463 724217

 e-mail: ema@highland.gov.uk