Education maintenance allowances (EMA) were introduced in September 2004 and aim to remove some of the financial barriers that may prevent some students continuing in education after they reach statutory school age.

Education maintenance allowances provide weekly payments worth up to £30 if you continue to stay in further education and payment of an EMA does not affect any other support or benefits paid by the government to your parents. All students who are aged 16, 17 or 18 in the 2010/11 academic year may be eligible to receive an education maintenance allowance. You will also need to have a bank account.

Do I qualify?

The amount of allowance you receive is based on household income for the 2009/10 financial year. The qualifying household income limit is currently £30,810.

How do I apply?

You will be able to obtain an application pack from

• your school or college;
• Connexions Centres;
• the Learner Support Helpline (tel: 0800 121 8929); or
• online at Direct.gov

You should apply as soon as possible and do not need to have decided where you will be studying before applying.

If you need further help or guidance with any aspect of your application you will be able to obtain assistance from:

• the Learner Support Helpline (tel: 0800 121 8929)
• your Connexions personal adviser
• your careers teacher or student services staff in your school, sixth form or further education college

Useful downloads Other sources of financial assistance [21kb] Other sources of financial assistance Post-16 transport application pack [287kb] Application form and information on how to apply   Education maintenance allowance - frequently asked questions How much is payable under an Education Maintenance Allowance? Who is eligible to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance? What are the criteria for an Education Maintenance Allowance application? Contacts Student support section student.support@northyorks.gov... Tel: 0845 3452153 Fax: 01423 709048 Full details for Student support section