2008/09 EMA article discussion

kelvinhanratty

Davesnave wrote: »

The system is grossly unfair to those studying for Art Foundation Courses. Most universities expect applicants to have done this 1 year full-time course, but it is not counted as any advance on A level for ALG.

My daughter, aged 19, is currently on this course and not only receives nothing in the way of ALG, but is also charged £1114 for the privilege. She went to work for a year to build up savings, but will see those eroded as she studies, especially when the workload gets more demanding. Because she is semi-skilled, at present she can put in a few hours after college and on one day at the weekend, but it is the lack of recognition that really gets to her.

It depends upon the level of this course. some art foundation courses are actually LEVEL 4 and are considered HIGHER education.

A good place to look is the EGAS (Educational Grants Advisory Service) website/helpline. Search for "EGAS" on http://www.google.co.uk

freedom2b

borntoshop wrote: »

Quick question, I have read the guide and it doesnt say, this is for a single parent who reading guidelines seems elligble, but daughter 16 years old on a hairdressing course so in college for 12 hours but in a salon for some hours an paid a low wage.
The loss to household income with child allowance and family tax credit is more than the salon wage.
Can daughter claim EMA. Or anyother help please?

Hi,If you can`t claim EMA and possibly not due to the hours at college and her wage.Look into the learner support fund...Every college has one and you could claim for materials needed on her course,uniform and travel expenses etc

freedom2b

borntoshop wrote: »

Quick question, I have read the guide and it doesnt say, this is for a single parent who reading guidelines seems elligble, but daughter 16 years old on a hairdressing course so in college for 12 hours but in a salon for some hours an paid a low wage.
The loss to household income with child allowance and family tax credit is more than the salon wage.
Can daughter claim EMA. Or anyother help please?

Hi again,but do get your skates on as most LSF are on first come first served basis,saying that I`ve just sorted travel for my son to and from college...It was costing a fiver a day just in bus fares...Plus his lunch etc...Crippling and the EMA still hasn`t come through I applied in June!!!!:mad:

borntoshop

Ringing today thanks

freedom2b

Get all your paperwork up together, as, as usual you have to supply your income details.Family tax credit detail for April 2007 to 2008 is usually sufficient.Good luck and all the best

borntoshop

So kind thanks

stub451

I pay myself a small salary as a contractor, (£9000) and the remainder through dividends. My wife earns about £8000.

Do my dividends count towards the EMA limit?

freedom2b

stub451

Hi,

EMA is worked out on your income so I doubt if your dividends count towards it

freedom2b

stub451 wrote: »

I pay myself a small salary as a contractor, (£9000) and the remainder through dividends. My wife earns about £8000.

Do my dividends count towards the EMA limit?

Even if on a higher income you can still claim EMA although at a slightly lower rate..But get on with it though,they are totaly incompetent and will only backdate if they receive the application form within 28 days of the start of the course. If you claim family credit it`s easy to supply this statement as prove of income for April 2007 to 08 Make sure your child has a suitable bank account open as you have to supply their bank details.Halifax is ok for this.Good luck

Pont

Martin's article and the Direct Gov website both state that you must be 16 before the 31st of August - not the case in England. I have had confirmation from the LSC that so long as you're 16 before the start date of the next academic year you are entitled to EMA as long as you meet income and course eligibility. For example, if the academic year in the Authority that you study in started on the 8th September, anybody born on the 1st, 2nd etc up to and including the 8th September are entitled to EMA. Wales still state 31st August as the cut off date (watch this space!), Scotland state 30th September as the cut off date, sorry don't know about Northern Ireland.