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Depending on your age, you can get EMA for up to 3 years. You must apply each year.
The maximum weekly EMA payment is £30 paid fortnightly. To decide how much you get, we look at your household’s annual income. EMA payments will not affect any benefits that you or your household already get.
Dependent students
If you depend on your parent(s) or guardian(s) we will use their income to decide how much EMA you can get.
Independent students
You are an independent student if:
- you are estranged from your parent(s) or guardian(s) and NOT living under Local Authority care;
- you are living under Local Authority care, for example with foster parents;
- you receive income support in your own name;
- you are responsible for your own child; or
- you are classed as a Youth Offender- see below
If you are independent, your household income means your income plus that of any partner you live with. We will use this to decide how much EMA you can get.
If you work part-time, this income is not counted when we look at your household income.
Young People in Custody
As a young person in custody, expecting to leave custody, you can apply for EMA. You must apply while you are still in custody. If this applies to you or someone you know please contact your local Youth Offending Team for further information and an application form.
Amounts
Find out how much you could get with our calculator:
Courses starting 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2011:
Here are the household incomes and the amounts you could get:
| Annual Household Income |
Weekly EMA Allowance |
Fortnightly EMA Payment |
| Up to £21,885 |
£30 |
£60 |
| £21,886 - £26,840 |
£20 |
£40 |
| £26,841 - £32,400 |
£10 |
£20 |
| £32,400 and above |
£0 |
£0 |
As well as a weekly allowance, you may also receive bonus payments of £100.
Payments are made directly to your bank or building society account, so you must have one before applying for EMA. To open a bank account you should speak to a local bank, or your parents or guardians for help. Remember that the account must accept direct credits.
If you cannot open a bank or building society account in your own name, please contact us.
Reassessment of EMA entitlement
If your household income has changed you may be entitled to a reassessment of your original EMA entitlement.
By telling us about what has changed and by providing original evidence, we can have a look at your situation and reassess you on your current household income. We can then pay you the correct amount of EMA you are entitled to for the 2010/11 academic year.
Under what circumstances can I get a reassessment?
You can apply for a reassessment of your EMA entitlement if any of the following applies to you:
- You are now responsible for a child of your own.
- You are now living under Local Authority Care.
- You are now financially supporting yourself via:
- Employment/Self Employment earnings;
- Taxable Benefits;
- Income Support/Income Based Employment and Support Allowance in you own name.
- There has been a permanent drop in household income because:
- One or both of your parents are deceased;
- One or both of your parents are now disabled;
- Your household earnings or benefits have recently changed.
Where can I get a reassessment form?
You can get a reassessment form by calling our customer services team on0845 602 8845
Can I get help to complete the form?
Yes. When you receive your application form it will include guidance notes to help you with any difficult questions. You should refer to the guidance notes before you complete the form.
You will need to provide original evidence to support your reassessment.
When should I apply for a reassessment?
You should apply as soon as your circumstances have changed.
At the very latest, we must receive your form and all requested evidence by 31 August 2011 or you will not be eligible for a reassessment for academic year 2010/11.
Who can I contact with further questions?
If you have any queries regarding your reassessment you can contact us by:
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