Not getting EMA

samuelmoss

Hello!

I am starting college in September and have just found out that I'm not eligable for EMA as my parents are earning over the threshold. The issue with this is is that even though they are earning over £30,000 they still can not afford to be able to fund me for college. I'm not sure what to do. Is there any thing else that I could be eligable for?

Thank You
Samuel Moss

C.C.L.

EMA is to help with the cost of books and bus fares mainly.
I don't think you will be entitled to any kind of benefits because your household income is over £30,000.
Have you thought about getting a part time job?

elisebutt65

What do you need funding for? College is free if you're under 18

Most of my students have jobs to pay for buses etc

samuelmoss

C.C.L. wrote: »

EMA is to help with the cost of books and bus fares mainly.
I don't think you will be entitled to any kind of benefits because your household income is over £30,000.
Have you thought about getting a part time job?

Well I will be working for my grandmother as she is just opening a business, but I will be doing that voluntry for now, until she has figured out what her income is from the business. But it's because the bus is going to be £35 a month. And then there is books, clothes etc.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Perhaps the time you would have spent working for your grandmother for free might be better utilised working for a paying employer.

welshmoneylover

I agree with the other posters and their comments. You do really need to rely on wages rather than relying on benefits at such a young age.

When I did my A-levels many years ago, there was no EMA and it didn't stop me passing my exams. Good luck :beer:

MummyOfTwo

voluntary work isnt really an option for you, dear. if your parents cant help put with a bus pass etc, then i would land a p/t job now and that will also give you time to get some money put aside for books come september. as a now-graduate, i can assure you that its better to plan ahead financially...

AnxiousMum

Have to agree with the part time job kiddo! Helping grandma out is a very kind thing to do, but it won't get you to school and back each day. Maybe you could do a combination? My 18 yr old works in a restaurant on a Sunday for 6 hours and gets £30 plus tips for the shift, and does odd waiting for a catering company - so busy in the summer. He also finds time to volunteer (though only three hours) at a local hospice, and has done this for the pat two years doing A levels. I know with EMA it's like the government is saying that if you don't qualify for it, then your parents should be able to come up with £30 per week for you - not always the case, mine don't qualify for it, but with five kids, I certainly can't afford to give them that kind of money each week either. So.......their decisions were the part time job route. Good luck in your course!

Oldernotwiser

You could gently remind your parents that they still receive child benefit and (possibly) child tax credit for you so it's really their job to provide your necessary expenses like fares whilst you're in education.

When it comes to things like personal spending, I have to agree that paid work is the way forward for you.

Molly41

I have to agree that as your parents are still receiving child benefit and perhaps child tax credit then they should still support you financially. There will be a subsidised bus pass and books can be brought very cheaply off Amazon. I cant understand their attitude because if you were my child I would be actively encouraging you in your education. I hope you are still able to study. Good luck.

maggied_2

I have to agree - you could ask your parents to still provide some basics (maybe bus fare?) as they will still be getting the same money for you. Are they really casting you off at this point?

I know it's because it's available now but I do find this 'not getting EMA' thing bemusing - I did waitressing / bar work / crappy shop jobs the whole time I was studying (always had a job from the age of 13/14 - everyone I knew did!) had an excellent social life and got very good grades. It's very good practice for the future Sorry to sound like an old biddy and good luck!!