2008/09 EMA article discussion

kelvinhanratty

As far as I know, EMA assessments are always processed based upon the previous tax year to the start of the academic year. They will only conduct a "current year assessment", i.e. using the current tax year, if there has been a permanent change in circumstances (i.e. the drop in income is through disability or breavement - e.g. the loss of one parent). They will not reconsider if the drop in income is through loss of employment, as this is not a permanent change.

If your combined income for ALL of the 08/09 tax year (i.e. including all income for both of you from 6th April 2008 to 5th April 2009) has fallen into the EMA income brackets for next year, then by all means apply when the new forms are out.

try searching for "grant grabber" on this site, should come up with the grant grabber thread. Also search for "benefits" on this site, where you will find a thread with links to a site that will work out what you may be entitled to claim. Also try: -

(1) http://www.egas-online.org/fwa/
(2) http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1037

jacey10

Hi, I wonder if anyone can advise on how you need to prove your income for EMA.

My partner and I are self employed and I've just had my son's form returned as I sent in my TCAN for 07-08 by mistake. I haven't yet had an Award notice for 08-09 and when I do it will be based upon estimated figures which I've read won't be accepted for EMA.

I haven't yet completed my tax return for that year as it isn't due for some time so can't send in an SA302 either. I wanted to get the application sorted out early as I've read about backlogs but am wondering if anyone knows what happens in this situation. Will they grant him the weekly amount and let us send the correct paperwork in when we have it?

Any advice is much appreciated.

Magnolia

jacey10 wrote: »

Will they grant him the weekly amount and let us send the correct paperwork in when we have it?

In a word - no.

What they will do is, when you have the correct paperwork and have returned it to them, award your son/daughter whatever is the allotted amount and back date it to the start of term.

Hope this helps.

needmore75

Hello. I work for an E2E course in Cambridge. Household income is NOT
considered and ANY student on an E2E Programme is eligible for the £30 EMA a week. Students that are 16-19 can apply and can join throughout the year. There are colleges running these courses all over England. It's to pick up students that have dropped out of college or want to gain further skills and qualifications in between now and September. AND also earn £30 a week for it!! Prob better than a summer job and it's 16 hours a week..
There is not set time the learner has to stay on the course exactly, it's very flexible!

Bit of bullet point info..

+ Free
+ Student must NOT have A-C grades in both Maths and English
+ £30 a week regardless of your income
+ Students study vocational qualification, lifeskills and up to Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy.
+ Can start at any time throughout the entire year.

If people google E2E and their area, they may find a programme in their
area.

Any questions, please post or message me. It's a great course for young people who are a bit unsure or looking to improve their skills throughout the year/summer. Keep them away from your wages too!

Sarah:j

dinigrow

kieronb wrote: »

Hi.
At what age does entitlement to EMA stop, 18 or 19 (have heard it's for students 16,17 or 18 but also for 16-19 yr olds). If it's only for under 19s does it stop when you turn 19 even if you're still on an eligible course? Thanks

Just noticed that nobody answered your question, Kieron!

Providing you are 18 years old on September 1st, then EMA will continue for the remainder of the academic year, even if you were to turn 19 within a few days!!

If you are 19 on September 1st, then ALG is your alternative.

twirly09

^^ That may answer my question then! I am going to be in full time education for a another year starting sep 1st.. and i turn 19 in november. I will still receive Ema? yes.

It's confused me!! lol

martin_ol

i HAVE 2 CHILDREN STUDYING A Levels. My income has changed dramatically since the start of this school year. Is there such a thing as a current year assessment form for EMA? I know there is for student loans for UNIVERSITY.

student_advisor

martin_ol wrote: »

i HAVE 2 CHILDREN STUDYING A Levels. My income has changed dramatically since the start of this school year. Is there such a thing as a current year assessment form for EMA? I know there is for student loans for UNIVERSITY.

Only if you have become disabled as described by the DDA, or have died, or your children have become parents themselves, or you have kicked them out.

Complain to you MP.

JackRS

So just to confirm because I earn more than £30K my daughter, who's just started A-levels, has to work all day Saturday in a shop to get the same as her class mates, who keep telling her how great this EMA thing is?

MrsManda

JackRS wrote: »

So just to confirm because I earn more than £30K my daughter, who's just started A-levels, has to work all day Saturday in a shop to get the same as her class mates, who keep telling her how great this EMA thing is?

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.