Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

What is Education Maintenance Allowance?

If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.

To qualify, the household income of your parents or carers living with you, must be less than:

  • £24,421 - for households with one dependant child
  • £26,884 - for households with two or more dependant children

Download the full terms and conditions for EMA

EMA for young adults in higher education

Apply directly through your college or university and contact them for the most accurate information.

 

Page last modified: 4 September 2025

Education Maintenance Allowance Unit

Address: EMA Unit
Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness IV3 5NX

Telephone: 01349 886659