EMA 2009/10 guide discussion

Former_MSE_Natasha

This thread is specifically to discuss the content of the

Education Maintenance Allowance

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Sylvan

Can you claim EMA part way through the year?

V_Chic_Chick

Sylvan wrote: »

Can you claim EMA part way through the year?

I believe so, but I don't think you'll get it backdated.

Caz3121

"EMA eligibility is based on the total 2008/09 tax year income of both parents you live with (including step parents)"

What happens if the step parent (well boyfriend) did not live there last year but does now, would they still include his income?

cocoluvsmummy

Sylvan wrote: »

Can you claim EMA part way through the year?

i have just rung up to ask this as our circumstances have changed dramatically, but it is based on last years earnings, so the fact that we are now a single parent household on 35k less a year in the house has no relavance

chickalittle

cocoluvsmummy wrote: »

i have just rung up to ask this as our circumstances have changed dramatically, but it is based on last years earnings, so the fact that we are now a single parent household on 35k less a year in the house has no relavance

If someone is already claiming EMA and their income drops - by more than 15% I think it is - within the year of claim they will adjust the EMA payment accordingly so it seems a bit harsh that if your income has now dropped so much that you are now eligible that they will not take that into account. Maybe the rules have changed in the last couple of years but might be worth taking your case for a claim a bit further. I know from my own experience that it depends who you speak to and how they interpret the rules.

Narla

Can anyone tell me whether EMA is paid term time only and how often and how much are the 'bonuses'? My DD isn't entitled to it and I am considering giving her the same amount to encourage her to continue her course.

surfsister

Narla wrote: »

Can anyone tell me whether EMA is paid term time only and how often and how much are the 'bonuses'? My DD isn't entitled to it and I am considering giving her the same amount to encourage her to continue her course.

you are so kind! it's from ten to thirty pounds a month and £100 bonus in late Jan. (after jan exams). Penalties at our school if late more than twice a half term anf if absent too much, also assignmentse need to be done on time. some schools/colleges stricter than others!
Bonuses later in school year but not sure when.

Oldernotwiser

surfsister wrote: »

you are so kind! it's from ten to thirty pounds a month

A week.....

Mary-Jess

My daughter and my step daughter will both be starting sixth form in September. Do the same parental income bands for claiming ema apply in this situation? Twins must have the same issue.

thenthornthing

we had a right !!!!-up at the end of last year, our form got LOST in transit and we thought nothing of it. Only now are we re-doing it. We'd of only got £10, but £10 x however many weeks lost, is a decent amount still. And we've missed the bonus as well.

It really does pay with EMA to be quick with it.