Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) From August 2025

WHO CAN APPLY FOR EMA?

You are entitled to apply for EMA if you:-

  • Have an eligible date of birth.
  • Meet certain residency criteria.
  • Are undertaking an acceptable course of study
  • Live in a household where the taxable income falls within the thresholds shown below OR Live in the care of a Local Authority OR  are you are now (or have been) cared for under the compulsory supervision of Social Work services - either at home or away from home.

Household Income Thresholds for 2025/2026

 

INCOME THRESHOLDS

WEEKLY PAYMENT

Less than £24,421 (for families with a single child in full-time education)

£30 per week

Less than £26,884 (for families with more than one child in full-time education)

£30 per week