Education Maintenance Allowance

With GCSE results due out today, many families across Northern Ireland will be considering their options for the coming academic year. One scheme which can be of great help to those hoping to stay on in education is the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The EMA is intended to help with the costs of further education.

Despite being abolished in England, the Department for Employment and Learning has confirmed that the scheme is remaining open to applications for the next two years in Northern Ireland. The EMA is a payment of between £10 and £30 a week for those staying on in education after 16, who have modest to middling household incomes. Students can also receive a bonus in January and June, as well as an additional bonus for returning EMA students.

To apply for EMA, an application form must be completed. These are available from a number of places, such as the school or college, or the local Job Centre. In order to be eligible for any backdated payments, it is important to apply before the end of September.

For further information, contact your local CAB, or go to www.emani.gov.uk or www.nidirect.gov.uk.