Education Maintenance Allowance

Do You Qualify For EMA?

EMA is for 16 to 18 year olds living in Wales, who want to continue their education after school leaving age. If you're eligible, you could get £30 a week, paid every two weeks.

Before you apply for EMA there are few things you will need to check to make sure you qualify.

• • Date of Birth - you must be 16-18 years old on 31 August 2022

  • Course - you must be studying at a participating school or college on an ‘eligible’ course

  • Household Income - Household income must be £20,817 or less if you're the only young person in the household. Or £23,077 or less if there is more than one young person in the household.

  • Nationality and Residency – If you are a UK citizen living in Wales you should be eligible for EMA. If you’re not a UK citizen you may still be eligible, complete the application form and return it to us we’ll let you know whether or not you are eligible.

Key dates

June 2022 - Send your completed EMA application with original evidence to ensure that your funding is in place by the start of your course

31 August 2022 - The final date we can accept your application information for you to be eligible for EMA in academic year 2021 to 2022

If you would like an application pack then please contact the school office and they can arrange for a pack to be sent to you. You might like to have a look at the Student Finance Wales website where you can find all the information that you need regarding applying for EMA. Their website is https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/fe.aspx

You can phone the EMA Wales customer service team on: Telephone 0300 200 4050 or Minicom 0300 100 1693

Their opening hours are: Monday-Friday 9am to 5.30pm (except bank holidays)