Education Maintenance Allowance, usually shortened to EMA, is a means tested weekly payment for young people in Northern Ireland who stay in eligible education after the compulsory school leaving age. For a lot of families it is the difference between a young person continuing in learning and taking the first available job.
Who it is for
Broadly, EMA is aimed at young people in the eligible age range who are enrolled on an eligible course, where household income falls below the assessed threshold. Eligibility depends on age, the course and provider, residency, and household income, and the thresholds are reviewed each year.
Because the detail changes, always check the current criteria and figures on nidirect before you apply or advise a young person.
How household income is assessed
Assessment is based on the income of the household rather than the young person, and certain benefits and circumstances are taken into account. Families are usually asked to provide evidence of income for the relevant tax year, so gathering paperwork early avoids delays at the start of term.
Attendance conditions
EMA is conditional on attendance. Payments are made against a learning agreement, and unauthorised absence stops the payment for that week. This is worth explaining clearly to young people at the outset, because it is the most common reason payments stop.
If you are not eligible
Not qualifying for EMA does not mean there is no financial support. Training programmes in Northern Ireland come with their own arrangements. Young people on Skills for Life and Work receive a training allowance while on programme, and travel support may be available depending on circumstances. There are also discretionary support funds at many providers for costs such as equipment and childcare.
How this fits with training
If a young person is weighing school or college against a training programme, the money is only one part of the decision. Compare what each route leads to: the qualification, the work experience, the employer contact and the progression into an apprenticeship or a job.
Where to get help
Our Skills for Life and Work pages set out what the programme involves, what allowance is paid and how to join. Parents, guardians and school careers staff can also contact the local branch directly and we will talk through the options for that individual young person.