Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) are for 16 -19 year olds who continue in education or unwaged training beyond Year 11. An EMA is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week depending on your household income, with £30,810 income a year as a cut-off. You may also be eligible for additional bonuses depending on your progress and attendance. EMAs do not affect any entitlements to any other benefits.
Information about other awards for people who stay on in education is available on Manchester City Council's website (for Manchester residents only). You can find details about the Post-16 Award and Education Maintenance Grants - if you cannot get an Education Maintenance Allowance.
Childcare costs
If you are under 20, have a child, and started learning anytime after 1 August 2003, or if you are continuing in sixth form, the 'Care to Learn' (external site) scheme may be able to pay for your childcare. This provides help with childcare costs, including travel costs to and from the registered child carer, of up to £155 a week for each child (August 2006 to July 2007 rate). This scheme was extended to include under-16s from 1 August 2004. For further details, contact Care to Learn on 0845 6002809.
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Back to Benefits and Allowances for 16 and 17 year olds
Information on other websites
Direct Gov
Information about Education Maintenance Allowance from the Government
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
27 October 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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