EMA applications for academic year 22/23

Current year income process and thresholds

We usually use household income from the 2020-21 tax year to assess a learner's entitlement for academic year 2022/23. However, we understand household incomes may have changed since then.

If the household income has permanently lowered since the 2020-21 tax year, we can assess learners using their current household income.

They'll still need to complete the application form providing tax year 2020-21 information and evidence. With the completed form, they should include a letter stating they want their assessment to be on current year income. They should also include evidence of this income and when the change took place.

Students can find application guidance on nidirect.

Application distribution for academic year 2022/23

We're preparing for the ordering and distribution of academic year 2023/24 applications. Please make sure we have your correct distribution details.

You can see your details on the Profiles section of the Learning Centre Portal.

Please check that your contact details are correct by 9 December.

Learning Centre Portal opening early

Christmas will soon be with us and so we'll be opening the Learning Centre Portal early on the week commencing 19 December.

As you can submit attendances from 19 December, the allocations will be in place before you break for the holidays. This will help make sure learners get paid any EMA they're due.

It’s also a great time to check that your learning centre has marked the correct weeks for Christmas and end of term holidays on the portal. This will automatically mark all students as on holiday, ensuring the portal is up to date.

Please also check any unconfirmed weeks to administer any outstanding payments.

EMA Agreement Form Part 2 completion

It’s almost time to start confirming bonuses. To be eligible for the January bonus, learners must sign their EMA Agreement Form (Learning Agreement) Part 2. Please remind your learners that they must do this before 2 December.

Learners who have not signed their agreement by then will not be eligible for January bonus.

Payment after Christmas

We'll make EMA payments for the weeks ending 9 and 16 December on Wednesday 28 December rather than Monday 26. This is due to the Boxing Day and Christmas Day bank holiday. Please bring this to your students’ attention and set their expectations.