Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance for the school session beginning in August 2024 can be submitted from 1st July 2024.
Please note that the cut-off date for processing applications for the academic year 2024/25 is 31st March 2025. No applications will be processed after this date.
Documents and information available on this page are intended for students attending a school in the Argyll and Bute Council area.
What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?
EMA is a weekly payment of £30, paid fortnightly in arrears for eligible students who are planning to continue in post-compulsory education. The allowance is payable fortnightly in arrears during term time. Payments will be made direct to the student’s account.
Who will be entitled to an EMA?
If you are 16 to 19 years old, and attend a school in Argyll and Bute, and come from a low household income you may be eligible to receive financial assistance from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
If you are 16 years of age or over before 30 September 2024 (Autumn Intake), you may be eligible for an EMA from the beginning of school term, if the application is submitted by 30 September 2024. If the application is received after this date the award will only start from the week it is received.
If you are 16 years of age between 1 October 2024 and 28 February 2025 (Winter Intake), you may be eligible for an EMA from January 2025, if the application is submitted by 28 February 2025. If the application is received after this date the award will only start from the week it is received.
The cut-off date for processing any applications for academic year 2024/25 is 31 March 2025. No applications will be processed after this date.
| Financial Criteria | Household income for tax year 2023/2024 |
|---|---|
| Young people from families with more than one child in full-time education | £0 - £26,884 |
| Young people from families with only one child in full-time education | £0 - £24,421 |
Further information
More information is available from your school or from –
EMA Department
91 Alexandra Parade
Dunoon
PA23 8AJ
Tel: 01369 708483
Email: ema@argyll-bute.gov.uk