How to qualify

Education Maintenance Allowance

How to qualify

To qualify for EMA, you must be aged between 16 and 19 years.

Age rules

Date of birthAward start dateFurther information
1 March 2006 to 30 September 2009August 2025Eligible to apply now, with payment from August 2025
1 October 2009 and 28 February 2010January 2026Eligible to apply now, with payment from January 2026

Household income rules

Family typeMaximum yearly income
One dependent child£24,421
More than one dependent child£26,884

What is a dependent child?

  • Children up to the age of 16
  • Children over the age of 16 and up to the age of 25, in full-time or higher education courses