2008/09 EMA article discussion

AnnBar

MrsManda wrote: »

Yes, because upto 18, a child is still considered her parents' responsibility and it's upto them to support her. EMA is for children who otherwise wouldn't be able to continue to study because their parents are unable to continue this support. £30k + is considered enough for parents to be able continue supporting their kid if they choose to continue their education until they are 18.

What, suddenly when a child turns 16, and the partents have managed to support them for 16 years, they can no longer afford it for another 2 years?? Surely upto 18 they are the partents responsibility no matter what their income?
There will be very few parents who earn £30k who can afford to give each of their children £30 per week!

johnswife

I was/am in this situation. I have three daughters, now 19,18 & 16. We were above the £30k income threshold and were not able to claim EMA. We were not able to give each of our daughters £30 a week each, and they also missed out on the bonuses. They were not happy seeing their friends going out and shopping spending the EMA when they could not afford to join them.

Also from this March our income went to zero, no job, and my husband has started his own business. For the student loans we have had to estimate how much we will earn this year, which is difficult, but EMA was not interested. for that it is still based on previous income.

When so many people have lost their jobs surely they should be looking into this?

student_advisor

They have looked into this, they then decided it would be too expensive to reassess people so have done nothing about it.

Complain to your MP.

zoedell

I have twins and an older daughter. All three are at college the twins full time and the eldest for two days a week.
As I earn £1500 over the threshold i cannot claim EMA for any of them. I am a single parent and have encouraged my daughters to 'stay' in education. what a fool am I!! No other income from anywhere and slogging to keep my girls in education.
Don't get me wrong I would do anything for them but really isn't this just the system gone mad? !!!!!!!!
Surely this should also be based on the amount of children you have at college? !!!

ANY SUGGESTIONS HELP ? !!!

Helen105

I've just read this week's newsletter that said a child could claim EMA if the parent's earnings were under £32,300 yet when I read further it gives the income limits of £31,580 for Wales and Northern Ireland and £30,810 for England. Where does £32,300 apply?

kazosb

Hi there

I am well under the £20k bracket and my son wants to go to college next year, does anyone know if there is a threshold for parents savings? (I don't have alot, just enough for tax and any emergency, but don't want to be caught out here)

Have read loads of stuff but can't see this as a problem anywhere, but someone has told me t will be. Any help appreciated. Thanks

Magnolia

Kazosb - EMA is based on household income - AFAIK there is nowhere on the form to put savings.

davief

Hi, I've just come across this and joined the forum so please be nice!:)
Trying to fill in the EMA form for my son, all seems to be gooing well until I get to my earnings. Like a few others, I'm a ltd company and pay myself dividends and can't see anywhere on the form to put this figure in. I know there is a box for dividend tax credit amounts, but I didn't draw enough dividends to recieve a tax credit.
Any ideas where I enter the actual dividend amount on the form?