Information Bulletin
19 April 2004
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMAs)
Education Maintenance Allowances are being introduced throughout Scotland this year and will be available to Shetland students from the start of the autumn term. EMAs are intended to help young people, particularly those from lower income households, to participate in further non compulsory education.
Evidence from the pilot schemes which have been running in other local authority areas since 1999 has shown that EMAs have had a positive impact by increasing the numbers of young people continuing in post 16 education and reducing the numbers who drop out of education. Funding for the scheme comes directly from the Scottish Executive to the Shetland Islands Council and will be administered by the Education Service.
EMAs will only be available to those young people aged 16 years
this year, that is:
- Students who are or turn:
- 16 between 1st March and the last day in September – EMA may be payable from start of term in August.
- 16 between 1st October and last day in February 2005 – EMA may be payable from start of term in January 2005.
- Entitlement to an EMA depends on an assessment of household income. Any 16 year old whose family’s annual income is less that £30,000 can apply. Household income is assessed using the same rules as the Inland Revenue when they calculate tax credits. The weekly allowance will either be £10, £20 or £30 depending on the level of household income. Exceptions to this include young people who are considered self supporting for example in foster care or receiving Income Support in their own right.
- In addition to the weekly allowance which will be paid subject to satisfactory attendance, students may also receive bonuses of £150 in January and June where it can be demonstrated that they are making progress and meeting the targets set out in their personal learning agreements.
- The weekly allowance will be paid directly into the student’s bank account fortnightly in arrears.
- A student can receive an EMA for up to three years as long as their household income does not exceed the £30,000 threshold.
Shetland Islands Council Education Service wants to ensure that as many young people as possible in Shetland are aware of this funding as it may well influence their decision on their future education. Letters and information leaflets have been sent out to all secondary four pupils inviting them to apply. For further information, contact Julie Mackie at Education Service on 01595 744983 or visit www.emascotland.com
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