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Education Maintenance Allowances are part of the Scottish Government initiative to encourage young people to remain in post compulsory education. Here are answers to questions which are frequently asked about Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA) in South Ayrshire.
| Q: Who qualifies for an Education Maintenance Allowance and would I be given one? | |||||||||
A: You may be eligible depending on your date of birth and if are attending a school within South Ayrshire or are attending a course at the Scottish Agricultural College up to SVQ level 3. Eligibility will also depend on your household income.
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| Q: Where can I get an application form? | |||||||||
| A: Forms are available from your local secondary school, Scottish Agricultural College or from Education Culture and Lifelong Learning. (see address below) | |||||||||
| Q: When should I apply? | |||||||||
| A: Application forms are usually available in May. In order to ensure you get your EMA when your course starts, you should try to get your completed form to the EMA office by 30 June. | |||||||||
| Q: Is there a closing date for applications? | |||||||||
| A: Yes. You should apply by 30 September for the full academic year. You should apply by 17 February for the period January to June. | |||||||||
| Q: Do I need to apply each year for an EMA? | |||||||||
| A: Yes. If your course lasts more than one year, you will have to make a new application each year. | |||||||||
| Q: If I attend a South Ayrshire Council school but live outwith South Ayrshire, will I get an EMA from South Ayrshire Council? | |||||||||
| A: Yes. | |||||||||
| Q: If I attend Scottish Agricultural College and require to live away from my normal home due to distance where should I apply for assistance? | |||||||||
| A: You should apply to South Ayrshire Council for an EMA and apply to the Local Authority where you normally live for travelling expenses and/or living away from home expenses. | |||||||||
| Q: How much money will I get? | |||||||||
| A: This will depend on a number of things such as your household income. The maximum you would receive would be £30.00 per week. | |||||||||
| Q: How will my EMA be paid? | |||||||||
| A: Before you apply, you will need a bank or building society account which will accept BACS (Bank Automated Credit System) payments. Your EMA will then be paid every two weeks into that account. You will be notified about details of the amount and instalments before you receive payment. | |||||||||
| Q: What are the main conditions of an EMA? | |||||||||
| A: Every student must sign a learning agreement and must adhere to the conditions of that agreement. You must have a 100% attendance rate throughout the year and if absent you must complete a self-certification form or provide a medical certificate. | |||||||||
| Q: Are there any other incentives? | |||||||||
| A:Yes if a student keeps to the terms of their learning agreement (e.g. attendance, progression/attainment) two bonuses would be paid. The bonuses would each be £150. One payable in January and the other at the end of the academic year | |||||||||
| Q: Where can I find out more about EMA? | |||||||||
| A: Further information is available in the Council’s policy document “A guide to Education Maintenance Allowances” which accompanies the application form. |
This webpage is intended as a general guide. It should not be regarded as a statement of the statutory position or of Council Policy.
Information is also available at: Education Maintenance Scotland
If you require any advice or guidance regarding Education Maintenance Allowances please contact us at:
Resource Support
Education Culture and Lifelong Learning
County Buildings
Wellington Square
AYR
KA7 1DR
Tel – 01292 612232
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