Education maintenance allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week depending on your household income. The money is intended to help you with day-to-day costs when you stay on at school or college – such as travel, books and course equipment.
It is paid directly into your bank account if you stay on in education at school or college after GCSEs, and is available during term time for any academic or vocational course (up to level 3) which involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week.
If you get the EMA you will get a payment every week of your course as long as you turn up to your classes and do the work. Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies.
You could also get a bonus of £100 in January and July - and again in October if you come back for a second year. Bonuses depend on the progress you make with your course. That's £500 potential extra money over the two years.
So, not only could you get more cash in your pocket right now, but you're also going to earn yourself a brighter future with better job prospects when you've finished your studies.
Who is entitled to education maintenance allowance?
Around half of all 16-year-olds studying in England should be able to get EMA.
Visit the EMA website for further information. We do not administer EMA.