Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
You can apply for EMA online. If you live in the Scottish Borders and need any help to apply you can contact our HQ Operations team online or call 0300 100 1800.
Can EMA be backdated?
You can apply for EMA for this academic year until 31 March 2025, and if you’re eligible your award will be paid from the date we received your application.
Your application may be backdated:
- to the start of the autumn term if you’re 16 or over before 30 September 2024 and you apply before this date
- to 6 January 2025 if you become 16 between 1 October 2024 and 28 February 2025 and you apply before 28 February 2025
How is EMA paid?
EMA is paid for each full week of attendance and is £30 per week. It will not be paid during school holidays, including the October, Christmas, and Easter holidays. It is paid fortnightly in arrears directly into your bank account.
Can I get EMA when I'm on work experience?
If you take part in pre-arranged work experience as part of your course, you can continue to receive your EMA payment providing you don’t get paid for the work.
What happens if I leave or change course?
If you leave your course early, your EMA will end. If you change courses, providing the new course is eligible your EMA will continue to be paid.
What do I do if I need to change contact details or bank details?
Use our online contact form to let us know any change to your name, address or bank account details. You should let us know a change of bank details immediately as this will effect your payments.
What happens if I don’t have a bank account or can’t receive the payment direct?
If you don’t have a bank account or are unable to receive the payment direct, we can make payment into a nominated bank account. However, you must advise the reason why you are unable to receive the payment directly into your own account. If you do not have an account, you can find information about opening a basic account online.
Whose household income is taken into consideration?
Anyone over the age of 18, excluding siblings residing in the property who is not in full time education and makes a contribution to the household is included in the calculation. This can include family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
How do you monitor your entitlement to EMA?
Your school/pastoral teacher will monitor your work, progress, behaviour, retention, attitude and attendance. If any of these are unsatisfactory we may stop your payments. Your EMA may also stop if you don’t meet all the conditions of your learning agreement.
What happens if I'm absent from school or college?
Payment may be withheld if you do not attend 100% of the agreed timetabled hours, including study time, as detailed in your approved learning agreement.
Some absences authorised by your school or college will count as attendance, such as
- ill health
- severe weather
- family bereavement
If you need time off for ill health contact your school or college on the first day of absence, and keep them informed of any continuing absence. You must also provide the following:
- written note from a parent, guardian or carer for absences of five days or less
- medical certificate from your GP for more than five days
Your EMA will not be paid if:
- your school or college reasonably believe that your absence is not genuine
- your overall attendance falls below an acceptable level, even if you have a valid reason for absence
- you go on holiday or take leave unless it’s for religious purposes
What happens if I'm late?
Payment will be withheld if you are late more than once each week without a valid reason such as an appointment with a professional person such as a doctor, dentist or a hospital appointment.
You should have a valid reason for being late and provide proof that you have an appointment, such as an appointment card in advance. If you are not able to provide proof before your appointment, you should provide it within five days of being late