Main messages about EMA

These are the main features you can highlight to promote the EMA scheme:

• EMA helps students make informed choices at 16, 17, 18 and 19, giving them the opportunity to think about further education with fewer financial worries
  
  
• students must earn their EMA by signing an EMA Learning Agreement and achieving set objectives linked to coursework, attendance and behaviour
  
  
• EMA is not only intended for those whose families are receiving benefits. For example, Child Benefit, tax credits, Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance. Students may be entitled to EMA whether they are receiving these benefits or not.
  
  
• EMA is a means-tested, attendance-based £30 weekly allowance, paid every 2 weeks, depending on household income
  
  
• EMA is for post-compulsory further education courses in schools or further education colleges
  
  
• it is available to students on a range of academic and vocational courses up to level 3, for example GCSEs, A levels, NVQs, pre-entry level, entry level and basic skills courses
  
  
• EMA payments are made according to the student's attendance at school or college, in line with the terms of their EMA Learning Agreement Part 1
  
  
• the 2 bonus payments of £100 may be made if the student achieves certain agreed performance-related objectives
  
  
• EMA Learning Agreement Part 2 contains the bonus goals set down by schools and colleges
  
  
• the first bonus payment is made in January and the second in June
  
  
• EMA is normally available for up to 3 years
  
  
• students are entitled to up to 117 positive or negative attendance confirmations for EMA
  
  
• any money students earn from part-time jobs does not affect EMA
  
  
• EMA does not affect any benefits paid to families, such as Child Benefit, tax credits or Universal Credit
  
  
• before applying for EMA, students should have, or have applied to open, a bank, building society or credit union account that accepts direct credits