Financial Support

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

What is it?

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of up to £30 a week for young people aged 16 to 18. It is to help you stay on in learning after you reach the school-leaving age. You could get bonuses too – but only if you stay on the course and make good progress! It is paid straight into your bank account, once your application process has been completed.

Who is eligible?

Any young person aged 16 to 18 who is living in a household where the annual income is £30,810 or less before tax is paid.

You will need to be:

• Starting a full-time further education course at a college or school;
• Joining an LSC-funded Entry to Employment programme; or
• Becoming a Programme-Led Apprentice.

How do I apply for the EMA?

• Collect an application pack from the Recruitment & Placement Coordinator;
• Apply online at www.direct.gov.uk/ema; or
• Call the EMA helpline on  0808 1016219 .

Will EMA affect any other benefits my family receives?

You cannot receive both EMA and Jobseeker’s Allowance. Any other benefits, whether they are for you, your parents or carers, will not be lost or reduced. You’ll also be able to keep whatever extra income you may earn from a part-time job.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

To get ALG, you need to be 19 or over, and studying in England. Whether you’re eligible also depends on the course you are taking, and your income. You could get up to £30 per week while you’re studying. Contact us for more details.

Travel Expenses

Once you have joined a Programme-Led Apprenticeship programme you will be eligible to have your travel expenses, to and from our centre in Aylesbury, reimbursed. You must provide your daily/weekly/monthly bus or train tickets to prove your travel. The weekly cost will then be paid into your bank account on a weekly basis, a week in arrears. Please note that we can only reimburse ‘reasonable’ travel expenses. The cost of taxis, for example, will not be reimbursed.

If you live in Milton Keynes or High Wycombe, then you will be able to use the free ATG training coaches. These coaches will pick you up, from a designated location in the town, in the morning and then drop you back again in the evening. For collection/drop off locations, please speak to the Recruitment & Placement Coordinator.

Useful Contacts

ATG: info@atg-training.co.uk

 01296 737800 

Connexions Direct: www.connexions-direct.com

 08080 013219 

EMA: www.direct.gov.uk/ema

 0808 1016219