EMA after a year out of education

csingleton

Hello. I am 17 and left school last year. I want to start college in September after my year out of education. When I first start in September I will be 17, but on the 24th of September I will be 18. Will I still get EMA and how long will I get it? Will I get it for the first few weeks and then stop getting it once I'm 18. Please help, I'm really confused.

chugalug

Hi, I think you can apply for EMA as long as you are the right age (which you are) and returning to full time education below university level. Are you independant from your parents? If they still get child benefit you should get it until you are 19 (if you are still in education and at the right level course). The amount you are awarded will depend on your parents income for the last tax year - could be £10, £20 or £30 pw. When you're 19 if you are still in education you can apply for an Adult Learning Grant which is again £30 per week. Ask your college for details as they'll know all about both payments. HTH

Forgot to say there's a thread on here somewhere about EMA which should help.