Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 to 19 year olds

Are you aged 16-19 by September 2025? Is your household income less than £27,000?

You may be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance of £30/week if you’re staying on at school. It's paid every 2 weeks, during term time (not in school holidays) and you’ll need to apply each academic year.

To qualify you need to:

• have a household income of £24,421 or less (households with only one dependent child) or £26,884 or less (households with more than one dependent child)

• attend a school in Dumfries and Galloway or be home educated

Have a look at the Dumfries and Galloway Council website to see if you’re eligible and how to apply. There are guidance notes at the bottom of the page.

You must apply before 31st March to get EMA for the current academic year and payments are not back-dated, so make sure you apply in time!