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If you are 16,17 or 18 years of age and have left compulsory education or you are about to leave it then EMA is for you. UK government does not want any of its citizen to be uneducated and want you to continue your learning. I guess this is a great step by UK government as learning is one of most important thing for a person and countries future.

Under EMA, entitles students will get weekly allowance worth up to £30 a week during term time which will be deposited directly to your bank account. You can buy books, travel, equipment or do any other thing as this money is paid directly to your bank account and not given to your parents or your college.

As long as you attent your school regularly and work hard, there should no be any problem in receiving EMA.

How is EMA calculated. How much money (EMA) will be paid to you ?
EMA is paid directly in your bank account in the denominations of £10 £20 £30 a week depending on your household income. (this exclude the money you earn from part time work).
EMA does not affect any of tax benefits which your parents get (child benefits, health in pregnancy grant tax, tax credits) or any other allowance which you get.

If your household income is -
Less than £20,817 per year (You get £30)
Between £20,818 - £25,521 per year (You get £20 a week)
Between £25,522 - £30,810 per year (You get £10 a week)
More than £30,810 per year (Sorry you wont get any EMA)

Who is eligible to get EMA (Education Maintenance allowance) ?
1. You need to be 16, 17 or 18 and have left or about to leave compulsory education.
2. You need to be pursuing a course in England. These courses can be -
Full time futher education in School or college.
LSC funed diploma.
LSC-funded Entry to Employment (e2e) course (if your e2e course starts on or after 30 June 2008, you’ll get the maximum £30 weekly EMA payment, regardless of your household income)

How to claim EMA.
Once you are sure that you are eligible to get EMA then you can apply to claim EMA anytime during the year. (Apply as soon as possible as allowances are weekly).
You can either apply for EMA by Phone (call 0800 121 8989) or get the application form from your college or school. After completing the application form you need to submit a proof of your household income for the relevant tax year. You also need to submit details of your bank account in which you want to receive the EMA money.

Once your EMA application is accepted you will get a Notice of Entitlement (NOE), confirming the weekly amount (allowance) which you will get. You also need to show this NOE to your school or college when you start with your course. (You will be asked to sign a aggrement - attendance, grades required to satisfy the criteria for keep getting EMA).

1 Response to "UK : Claiming Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)"

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