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 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