Education Maintenance Allowance

THE CLOSING DATE FOR NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2011/12 ACADEMIC SESSION HAS NOW PASSED.  NO NEW APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED.

Documents and information available on this page are intended for students attending a school in the Argyll and Bute Council area.

What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

It is an allowance worth up to £30 per week for eligible students who are planning to continue in full-time post-compulsory education.  The allowance is payable fortnightly in arrears during term time.  Payments will be made direct to the student’s account.

Who will be entitled to an EMA?

Applications will be accepted where the student reached his/her statutory school leaving age as outlined below:

Autumn Term Intake - This will coincide with the start of the academic year following the pupil's summer school leaving date.

Winter Term Intake - This will coincide with the start of the term following the Christmas holidays. Students who would be eligible to leave school at the winter leaving date, that is to say those whose 16th birthday falls between 1st October and the last day in February, would become eligible for an EMA from the start of the term following the winter leaving date. For example, young people who become eligible to leave school in December will be eligible for EMA from the commencement of the winter term.

For all students there will be one EMA weekly payment band of £30

What do I need to do?

More information is available, on our Glow webpage from your school or from –
Debbie Paterson
EMA Department
School Support
91 Alexandra Parade
Dunoon
PA23 8AJ
Tel: 01369 708548
Email: ema@argyll-bute.gov.uk