EMA is a means-tested allowance. You can find more information about household income thresholds in our important dates and information quick guide for the relevant academic year.

Students must provide evidence of their household income for the previous tax year.

If their household income has permanently dropped since the previous tax year, students can be assessed using the current household income. They'll still need to complete the application form providing previous tax year information and evidence. With the completed form, they should send a letter asking to be assessed on current year income. They should also submit evidence of the current year income and details of when the change took place.

What’s changing?

We no longer perform a sample check of auto-renewal students in the summer before the academic year starts. From AY 2025/26 the income check process for returners will work the same as for new students.

How will the process work?

As part of the auto-rollover process for returners, we'll send them for an income check during their assessment process. This will be a system generated process.

What happens after the income check?

• Income below the threshold: the application will automatically progress to 'approved'
• Income above the threshold: the application will automatically progress to missing evidence' We'll request physical income documentation. No student is automatically rejected without us requesting evidence first.