(Figures relate to the academic year 2007/2008).

Around 50% of 16-18 year-olds learning in England are eligible to receive EMA. In order to be eligible, students must:

• Have a household income of no more than £30,810 per year.
• Be a UK national born here or have UK citizenship or a UK passport or
• have indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter, or refugee status, or
• come from a European Union or European Economic Area country and have lived in the UK for at least three years, or
• have EU temporary protection.
• Intend to study at least 12 hours in a guided learning programme in a school sixth form, sixth form college, Further Education college or at a training provider. This may include an LSC-funded Entry to Employment (e2e) course, an Apprenticeship course, AS/2, GCSEs, GNVQs, NVQs and other vocational qualifications.
• Reach the age of 17 during the academic year that they enter year 12 of full time learning, or
• reach the age of 18 during the academic year that they enter year 13 of full time learning, or
• reach the age of 19 during the academic year that they enter a third year of full time learning.

EMA payments are made every week of the course, as long as the student turns up and shows commitment to their learning programme. The majority of young people can receive EMA for two to three years, depending on how long they need to complete their learning.

Claiming EMA will not affect any other benefits the student or their family already receives.

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