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 and 18, giving them the opportunity to think about further education with fewer financial worries
  
  
• EMA is a means-tested, attendance-based weekly allowance, paid every 2 weeks, depending on household income
  
  
• from 17 April 2023, the weekly amount paid to eligible students is £40 (previously £30)
  
  
• EMA 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 (this list is not exhaustive)
  
  
• 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, Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance
  
  
• to apply for EMA, students must have, or have applied to open, a bank, building society or credit union account that accepts direct credits
  
  
• students must apply within 13 weeks of starting their course to be eligible to receive backdated payments