EMA

Description

The EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) is a weekly cash benefit available to 16-19 year olds if they stay on at school or college after GCSEs.

The level of benefit depends on household income -

up to Ł20,817 per year, Ł30 per week

Ł20,818 - Ł25,521 per year, Ł20 per week

Ł25,522 - Ł30,810 per year, Ł10 per week

more than Ł30,810 per year, no entitlement.

Strangely it is the previous tax year that counts as the qualifying period, which can be unfortunate if your parents' income suddenly dips when you start 6th form.

Application is easy, and can be made online (at the URL mentioned). The time to apply is towards the end of your final GCSE year. There's a simple form to fill in and return. You'll then receive your EMA certificate, a copy of which has to be signed by your tutor/head of year.