Education Maintenance Allowance

How you'll get paid

You'll be paid directly into your bank account every fortnight. We have a list of payment dates.

If you're eligible from August 2025:

• the application will be backdated to 18 August 2025 if we receive it by 30 September 2025
• after 30 September 2025, the EMA will start from the date we receive your application

If you're eligible from January 2026:

• the application will be backdated to 6 January 2026 if we receive it by 28 February 2026
• after 28 February 2026, the EMA will start from the date we receive your application

If you do not receive your payment, you should contact your school or college. They need to confirm your attendance on the EMA system. If they confirm you should have been paid, email ema@fife.gov.uk.