EMA Scotland - income threshold down quite a bit - have I got this right?

oompahloompah

Hi everyone
My son is 16 over the summer and we had hoped he would be entitled to EMA when he returns to school in August, based on last year's figures. We got a letter from the Education Dept today with some information for those staying on at school for S5 and S6. It appears that if he was in receipt of the EMA already he would still be entitled (on a sliding scale for household income he would get £10 per week). However it appears that for 2009/10 there is just one level of allowance for income up to £22403, then nothing - can anyone tell me if I have misinterpreted this as he is pretty down that he won't get the money - I know it's only £10 per week but it would have been all his (he's been looking for a job but hasn't had any luck so is gutted he won't have a bit of financial independence at least).
Thanks

January20

http://www.emascotland.com/newemasandme.htm

Look at the link above. It might answer your question.

oompahloompah

Yeah, that's what I thought - I was just looking for clarification in case I had misunderstood.

I also received this email from my local education department:

Dear Mrs XXXX

Unfortunately from the figures you stated your son would not be eligible
for an EMA this year.

Following a consultation exercise the Scottish Government felt that though
the EMA provided important support for some young people in helping them
remain in learning and improving their performance, there are many young
people who would have stayed in school whether they received an EMA or not.
They have decided to refocus the EMA to target support more effectively at
those young people who need it most. They are reinvesting the money saved
from this in developing their pilots of Activity Agreements.


Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
School Provision & Transport
Xxxxxxxxxxx Council

January20

Annoying and disappointing isn't it?

My dd just got her notification and is not getting as much as we were expecting (at least she is getting something) but now I feel like I worked hard to improve my income and she's being penalised for my hard work. I feel a bit guilty. She took it better than I did!

oompahloompah

Yes, it is annoying and disappointing. It is a shame for the young ones, especially when the job market is as it is and part time work is hard to find too.