Advice about EMA

lee316

My DD1 is 16 and in college, we have applied for EMA and finally received back the decision - it has been refused, on the grounds that our household income is above maximum amount at which EMA is payable. They work it out on the last tax years earnings.
I do understand that, however this year the situation has drastically changed. Last year both myself and her father were in full time employment, albait drowning in debt.
This year we are both unemployed (due to company closing down), in receipt of JSA, both declared bankrupt, waiting for a house to be repo'd...

And DD1 really needs money for college, there are trips that are a part of her course, materials... We are struggling to pay for those, she has managed to find herself a part time job, but even that is not enough.

I am upset at their decision, I mean if we had 30 pounds to put aside a week for her colege we wouldn't be applying for EMA in the first place.
I have explained the situation to them, but all they say is that they are following government guidelines.
Surely these things should be assessed on the current circumstances instead?
So I suppose my question is, is there anything DD1 could claim instead of the EMA, or is there a way for them to review the decision?
Any help gratefuly received.

[Deleted User]

I rather think you would be applying for EMA if you had "£30 to put aside in the first place"
However I suspect theres nothing you can do to change this unfortunately,rules as they say are rules.
It might be worth speaking to the college to see if they can help in any way,although this would be limited.The best solution would be for your DD to get a p/time job which will add to the family allowance and i assume ctc you are getting for her???

Oldernotwiser

Unfortunately, I think that you have been advised correctly; EMA is assessed on the previous year's income, however much it has reduced.

Your daughter should make an appointment with the college's Student Services/ Welfare Officer to ask for help from the Student Support Fund and, of course, she needs to be looking for a part time job.

lee316

Thank you Woodbine. Yes you are right, I understand rules are rules. It's just that I find this whole claiming business confusing, as I've never claimed anything before. I'd much rather get a full time job and support DD myself, I am just feeling frustrated at not being able to help her out more. She has got a p/time job, but because of her age it's not much.

Oldernotwiser, she has got help from SSF, but had to use that fund to buy a years bus fare, as the college has their own coach (it's in the middle of the sticks so to speak), which grately helped. She is not entitled to any more funding until the next school year, which I suppose will be used in the same way.

Indie_Kid

Learner support fund might help?

lee316

Thanks SH, will ring local council on Monday and find out about it. Presume it is local council I need to speak to?

Indie_Kid

No, it's her college you'll need to talk to. They have the fomrs which she'll need to fill in.

[Deleted User]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033131

but it doesnt look hopeful

Oldernotwiser

lee316 wrote: »

Thanks SH, will ring local council on Monday and find out about it. Presume it is local council I need to speak to?

Actually, I should have said the Learner Support Fund rather than the Student Support Fund; they're actually the same thing.