EMA payments are going up!

From 17 April 2023, students who are entitled to EMA will have their payment amount increased from £30 per week, to £40 per week!

If you’re currently getting EMA, the first payment you’ll get at the new higher amount will be on Tuesday 9 May, as long as you’re meeting your school or college’s attendance criteria.

Find out if you’re eligible for EMA

Around 16,000 students currently get EMA in Wales. To find out if you’re eligible for EMA, check our eligibility page.

How to apply for EMA

You can pick up an EMA application pack from your school or college, or visit our How and when to apply page.

More information

For more information on the EMA payment increase, you can read the Welsh Government’s press release (opens in a new tab).