The information below is intended as a general guide and it should not be regarded as a statement of the statutory position
Contact EMA Unit for further Information
Do I have to apply each year for an EMA?
Yes, a new application must be submitted each year using the correct application form.
Academic year starting August 2009 please use EMA Application Form 2009-10 (pdf 201kb)
What is an EMA?
EMA means Education Maintenance Allowance. An EMA is an allowance of and up to £30 per week payable to eligible young adults who stay on in full-time education after their 16th birthday.
The young person has to satisfy attendance requirements and also, they have to complete a EMA Learning Agreement (LA) - a contract between the young person and their learning provider before payments can be issued.
Note:
- Payments cannot be issued until a LA has been fully completed.
- The learning provider will notify the EMA Unit that the LA has been completed.
- The learning provider is responsible for authorising 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 learning provider in regard to completing their Learning Agreement.
The Highland Council, EMA Unit only deals with students in the Highland Council Area
What changes have been introduced to EMA from 2009-10?
Changes to the EMA scheme from 2009-10 are:
- Removal of the £10 and £20 weekly payments
- An upper threshold to take account of households with more than one dependent child.
These changes will apply to those applicants applying and qualifying for the first time in 2009-10. Any applicant who received at least one EMA payment in a previous session will remain on the old scheme and retain entitlement to £10 and £20 payments. All other applicants will be on the new system even if they applied before but failed to qualify or did not follow up on their application.
Why have you changed the EMA?
Scottish Government know that, while EMA has provided important support for some young people in helping them to remain in learning and improving their performance, there are many young people who would have stayed in school or college whether they received EMA or not. Following a Scottish Government consultation exercise, they are refocusing EMA to target support more effectively at those young people who need it most. Some 70% of young people who would have qualified under the previous rules will still receive EMA. Scottish Government are reinvesting the money saved from this in developing pilots of Activity Agreements – The Government is committed to aligning their resources to help those who are most in need.
How is an EMA calculated?
EMA Awards have eligibility criteria such as date of birth, household income and residency.
Date of birth eligibility
Academic year 2009-2010
If you were born between 1st March 1990 and 30th September 1993 - you may be eligile for EMA from August 2009 (Autumn intake)
If you were born between 1 October 1993 and 28 February 1994 - you may be eligile for EMA from January 2010 (Winter intake)
Eligibility is based solely on date of birth and does not take into account the year of study a student is in. Students will become eligible to apply for an EMA with reference to their school leaving date irrespective of which year of study they are in.
Please note Cut off dates to be eligible for back dated payments:
Autumn Intake applications before or on 30 September 2009
i.e. If you are eligible from the Autumn Intake and apply before the 30 September 2009, you will be paid from the start of the term if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria.
or
Winter Intake before or on 28 February 2010
i.e. if you are eligible from the Winter Intake and apply before 28 February 2010, you will be paid from the start of the term if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria.
Household income
EMA will be payable on the basis of the total annual income of the household of the young person. The sum payable will be within the following bandings:
Income eligibility - New Applicants applying for Academic Year 2009-10
Household Income £0 to £20,351 with 1 dependant child - weekly payment £30
Household Income £0 to £22,403 with 2 or more dependant children - weekly payment £30
What do you mean by households with more than one dependent child?
The EMA applicant may come from a household where other dependent children live e.g. siblings, step-siblings. A dependent child is aged up to 16, or over 16 and up to the age of 25 and are in full-time further and higher education and are parentally supported.
What evidence can we ask for to prove that there are other dependent children living in a household?
Households with more than one dependent child will have to provide evidence if this is not already obvious from the TCAN. As well as applying to all children under the age of 16, this applies to those who are over the age of 16 and up to the age of 25, if they are in further or higher education and are parentally supported. Other acceptable evidence would be the Child Benefit notification, birth certificate (for those under the age of 5) or a Letter of Award from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) or relevant college.
Income eligibility - Students who have received EMA before Academic Year 2009-10
household income £0 to £22,403 weekly payment £30
household income £22,403 to £27,465 weekly payment £20
household income £27,466 to £33,156 weekly payment £10
household income over £33,156 weekly payment £0
Bonuses of £150 each may be paid to those eligible in February and July. These bonuses will take into account progression/attainment measured against the Learning Agreement and adhering to the Terms and Condtions of the scheme.
Please note students on short courses may not be eligble for bonus payments. Students are informed via the award letter if eligble or not eligble for bonus payments.
If a student receives £10 or £20 in 08/09 session and re-applies for 09/10 they may be eligible for £10 or £20 again. But if a sibling applies in 09/10 for the first time they would not be eligible due to household income being over £22,403 – this will seem very unfair and could cause problems – is there any provision for this?
All new applicants will need to come under the new rules – Scottish Government will be phasing out the old scheme until all applicants are on the new scheme. It is only fair to ensure that all new applicants are treated the same.
What if I applied last year and was not eligible on income “Refused”. Could I apply under the old rules as I was eligible on date of birth etc just household income at that time was above the threshold; this year I might be eligible, which applies to me old or new rules?
The new rules.
What if one of my son/daughters received EMA last year and I have another child who is only eligible this year; will they both be assessed in the same way?
No. Any student eligible last year will be assessed under the old system and any student who is applying now for EMA will be assessed under the new system.
Is there a definition of household income?
Household income assessment takes account of the gross income of those adults who have a caring responsibility for the children in their household - whether a single person or a couple – married or unmarried. This approach to means testing is used across Government and is not unique to EMA.
Why are you planning to take a possible source of funding away from hard-pressed families – at tough economic time whey they need this help the most?
The job of government is about making tough choices and, in the current fiscal climate, we need to decide where we can most effectively and fairly deploy the limited resources that are at our disposal. These changes will increase the support available to the most vulnerable young people and their families, by redirecting limited resources from young people in school or college from higher-income families towards more vulnerable young people who are learning in non-formal settings.
Is the EMA changing in other parts of the UK?
Each devolved administration has its own policy responsibility for EMA. The other nations have not made similar changes; however, they continue to keep EMA under review.
Residency
To be eligible for an EMA students must meet the nationality and residency requirements of the Scheme. Information can be found on the EMA Residency Policy Information 2009-10. Assessment is made on individual cases with regard to eligibility by the EMA Unit.
When do I apply?
Application forms are available from Highland Council Service Points and Highland Council Web site Education Maintenance Allowance page from July 2009
Cut off dates to be eligible for back dated payments:
Autumn Intake applications before or on 30 September 2009
i.e. If you are eligible from the Autumn Intake and apply before the 30 September 2009, you will be paid from the start of the term if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria.
or
Winter Intake before or on 28 February 2010
i.e. if you are eligible from the Winter Intake and apply before 28 February 2010, you will be paid from the start of the term if you have satisfied the eligibility criteria.
Can I apply late?
Yes, but applications received after 30 September 2009 for the Autumn intake or after 28 February 2010 for the Winter intake can only be back-dated to the date of receipt of the application. All applications will be processed in date order.
Final Closing date for receipt of all applications and documented evidence is the 31 March 2010 for Academic year 2009/10.
What if I work (Young Adult) part-time or a Saturday job - is this taken into account?
No, the young adult's income is not taken into account at all, only the income of those in whose household the young adult lives, for example parents/carers.
The household income definition for Her Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) only includes Mum and Dad, is this right?
No, HMRC ask for the income details of the parent and if they are part of a couple then the tax credit award is based on the joint income. So partners that are not parents would count as they are both contributing to the household.
Will it affect benefits/Tax credits?
No. EMA is currently paid over and above Child Benefit, Tax Credits and other Benefits.
Note: EMA office however will require evidence of benefits paid to you. This is requested on the EMA application form but on the whole this is not seen as income and is ignored, for example Income Support and Tax Credits and Child Benefit are not taken into account as income, nor are maintenance payments.
Can I get an EMA if I am on New Deal?
No. Young people on the New Deal education option or on government supported training schemes are not eligible for EMAs.
Do I have to pay it back?
Not unless you are overpaid or have not met the conditions of your Learning Agreement or the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Will I be paid during Learning Centre holidays?
No, you will only be paid for weeks in attendance at school, up to a maximum of 42 weeks in any one academic year. (Please refer to Payment Schedule attached with award letter)
What if I don’t have financial information to support my application, for example P60, Tax Credit Award notice or I am self employed?
Please submit the EMA application form as it is to avoid missing the deadline. Remember to indicate on the form that you do not have the documents and will forward these to the EMA Unit when you get them (write this under the household income section or information page). When these documents are available you should submit them to the EMA Unit making sure your son/daughter’s full name, date of birth and the school/learning centre they attend is stated.
Note: no assessment of award can be made until all relevant/requested documents are submitted. Final cut off for of all applications and documented evidence is the 31 March 2010 for Academic year 2009/10.
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Self employed
Please submitt Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN) for 2009/10 making sure self-employed income is not stated as “Estimate” and is based on “Actual” accounts to April 2009.
or
Submit a Self Employed Tax Calculation Statement/SA302 to April 2009; this document can be requested free of charge from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Self Assessment Helpline 0845 9000 444.
Note: We cannot accept “Estimated” accounts. If your Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN) for 2009/10 states that self employed income is “Estimated” we will require further information from you to support your appliction.
What if I can’t find my P60?
Please ask your employer to put in writing on business headed paper your P60 information.
What if I am a lone parent and do not have a Council Tax bill showing 25% discount for single occupancy?
Please contact the EMA unit for individual advice.
What if I am a young adult in foster care / living under the care of local authority?
You are eligible for a £30 award without having to provide evidence of household income. Please submit a letter from your local authority (e.g. social worker) confirming your address and circumstances with your EMA application form.
Note: this letter should be signed by an official from the local authority and include an official stamp.
What if I am a young adult who is in the care of my grandparents?
We require proof of guardianship therefore please submit with your application "Child Benefit Letter" 2009/10.
If your grandparents are not in receipt of child benefit for you then arrangements will have to be made for this to be transferred to them. The EMA Unit will have to wait until child benefit is awarded before an EMA award is issued. (Payments can be back dated to the date the application was received however please note final cut off for all documented evidence is the 31 March 2010 for Academic year 2009/10).
What if I am a young adult living alone, with no support from parents / carers?
If you receive Income Support in your own right then please provide a Tax Credit Award Notice (TCAN) for 2009/10 or the most recent Income Support benefit statement or Housing benefit letter or Council Tax notification letter.
or
If the above is unavailable please take Part C IND (309kb pdf) to your local Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) office. Please ask them to fill this in for you, making sure it is stamped and signed by DWP officer and send this to the EMA Unit.
What if the application form is incomplete?
All incomplete and unsupported applications will be held back until the information is submitted. Please note final cut off for all applications and documented evidence is the 31 March 2010 for Academic year 2009/10.
Can applications be made from more than one child in a family?
Yes, if they are over 16 years old they can apply. (Each young adult will have to fill in their own EMA application form) Please submit all applications at the same time.
Does the student’s performance at school affect the EMA?
Yes. Payments can be withheld on the following basis:
- if attendance falls below 100% in any week, no payment will be made for that week unless all absence has been covered by a medical certificate or been approved by the school.
- if Learning Agreement conditions are not met, bonus payments will not be made.
Notice will be given if payments are being withheld, along with details of the EMA Payment Appeals Procedure for Students 2009-10 (47kb pdf).
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Support for Vulnerable Students
Flexibility may be extended to applicants who may need additional support such as student sharing their learning time between school and home. Additional support can be given to those who need assistance with the completion of the EMA application form and for those with additional support needs. Additional Support Needs Notification Form (258kb pdf)
Please note: all students must satisfy the main eligibility criteria on date of birth, household income and residency.
Applicants who may be in this category should seek further guidance from the EMA Unit.
My son/daughter is home taught are they eligible?
Yes, provided they satisfy the main eligibility criteria on date of birth, household income and residency rules. Please indicate on EMA form that your son/daughter is home schooled.
What about travelling children?
EMA entitlement, once established, can be moved around from one authority to the next.
Where is the money paid?
Directly into the Young Adult's bank account.
When is the EMA Paid?
Usually fortnightly in arrears. (please refer to Payment Schedule attached with award letter)
First Payment for Autumn 2009 intake will be mid September 2009
First payment for Winter 2009 intake will be end of January 2010
What if I don’t have a bank account?
No payments can be issued unless you have a bank account that can take BACs payments.
If you do not have a bank account when submitting your EMA application form please send application as it is. Once a bank account has been opened please forward bank account details in writing to the EMA Unit making sure you state “Young adult” full name, date of birth, school attending.
What if I move school during the school year to go to college or to another school in Scotland?
This will not affect your entitlement to an EMA, provided that you renew your EMA Learning Agreement in the new establishment you are going to attend. Please notify the EMA unit immediately.
What if I move school during the school year to go to college or to another school in England, Wales or Northern Ireland?
This may affect your entitlement to an EMA. Please notify the EMA unit immediately.
What period does this application cover?
An award, if made, will be for one school year only. A new application must be submitted each academic year.
Can I appeal the schools decision as regards EMA payments not being paid or withheld?
Yes, please refer to Payment Appeals Procedure 2009/10
Can I appeal if I have been unsuccessful for an EMA or if I am disputing the award banding stated on my award letter?
Yes, please refer to EMA Application Appeals Procedure (pdf 34kb)
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Who can I contact for more information?
EMA Unit
Town House
High Street
Inverness
IV1 1JJ
Telephone number: 01463 724217
email ema@highland.gov.uk
For further information about EMA for young adults attending college or university contact the college or university direct.
For general information about EMA in Scotland see the web site: www.emascotland.com/
Scottish Government – write to:
Enterprise and Employability for Young People Division
Scottish Government
5 Atlantic Quay
6th Floor
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow, G2 8LU
Email: Lorna.Souter@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Those applying to another local authority in Scotland
www.emascotland.com/currentcontactla.cfm
Information for those applying in England/Wales
EMA Helpline: 080 810 162 19
www.direct.gov.uk/ema
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