Latest News:Latest News - November 2010
Get your EMA Applications in before 31 December 2010 or lose out
The Coalition Government has recently announced major reforms to the education system. As part of these reforms they are making changes to the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme.
EMA is a direct payment of up to £30 a week during term time to students aged between 16, 17 or 18 who continue to learn full-time at a school, college or with a training provider. They must attend the course on a regular basis, work hard and fulfil the terms of their EMA agreement. The payment is designed to assist with the costs of continuing in education. It is means tested and the amount a student receives is based on their household income. Any part-time income that the student receives is not included and being in receipt of EMA does not affect the household’s entitlement to any benefits or tax credits.
From 1 January 2011 the EMA scheme will close to all new applicants. This means that all new applications must be received by 31 December 2010. All applications received on or after 1 January 2011 will not be processed.
Students who are currently in receipt of EMA will continue to get it for this academic year (2010/2011) providing they fulfil the terms of their agreement. However payments will not continue in the next academic year (2011/2012).
If you or any one you know is thinking of going into education between now and July 2011 make sure an application for EMA is submitted before 31 December 2010. Further information and application forms can be found on the government website www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn. Many local Connexions services are offering assistance with applications in the run up to the deadline.
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© Maxwell Gillott 2008
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