Education Maintenance Allowance

Am I eligible for EMA?

You can claim EMA if you:

  • have lived in the United Kingdom for three years prior to the EMA qualifying date and are resident in Scotland on that date. Other residency rules also apply
  • are 16 years old or over before 30 September, you may be eligible from the beginning of the school term in August
  • or if you are 16 years old between 1 October and 28 February, you may eligible from 6 January 2025.
  • live in the Scottish Borders Authority and attend:
    • secondary school
    • home educated
    • non advance course at a college in a neighbouring authority that is not in Scotland and does not attract any other form of public or employer bursary
    • Stage 1 No-one-left-behind (NOLB)
    • Attend school or a non-advance course at college or are Home Educated for 100% of your agreed timetabled hours including study periods as stated on your approved learning agreement. For Stage 1 No-one-left-behind (NOLB) scheme.
  • you must participate fully in your agreed activity each week
  • household income for the tax year ended 5 April 2024 is less than:
    • £24,421 if there is one child in education
    • £26,884 if there are two or more children in education
Apply for EMA Find out more about EMA

Education Maintenance Allowance

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800