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If you’re thinking about staying on in learning after 16 and are worried about being short of cash, think again, because Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can help you stay on course for a brighter future.

How can EMA help me?

EMA is designed to help out with the costs of staying on in learning after you are 16. You could be entitled to up to £30 per week, paid directly into your bank account, to spend on anything you like.

Many people find the money helps towards the cost of travel, books and equipment, and means that they can concentrate on learning without worrying so much about money.

What's good about staying in learning?

Whatever you learn after 16, it could be your springboard to getting good training, better qualifications, a decent job… and higher pay later on, too.

Experts have predicted that by 2010, fewer jobs will be open to people without at least five good GCSEs or the equivalent (such as an NVQ level 2). So the more qualifications you get, the more choice and earning potential you’ll have.

EMA can help you achieve your potential by helping to reduce the financial barriers to learning after 16.

How much can I get?

If you qualify, EMA payments are £10, £20 or £30 per week, depending on your household income.

You could also get cash bonuses of up to £100 if you do well on your course, and meet targets set by your school, college or learning provider.

Important facts!

• You can still keep working part-time 
  You won’t have to stop working part-time if you get EMA: how much you earn won’t make any difference at all to how much EMA you can get.
• EMA won't affect your parents' benefits 
  If you get EMA, it will not affect any other benefits that you or your parents or carers receive.