Apply for EMA and upload the evidence you need
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) online.
Before you apply, make sure you have your household income details and any evidence ready to upload.
What you must do
If your application is successful, you must:
- sign and follow a learning agreement
- attend at least 21 hours of learning each week
You must also:
- keep 100% attendance, including authorised absences
- maintain good timekeeping and behaviour
You will receive an award letter. Keep this as you may need it for future funding applications. You must apply again each academic year.
School or study details
When you apply:
- give details of the school or centre you will attend
- if you go to more than one place, give details for where you spend most of your time
Provide your evidence
If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction we will check your entitlement automatically. A single person discount is not the same as Council Tax Reduction.
If you do not receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, you must upload evidence of your household income.
This may include:
- your latest Universal Credit statement
- letters confirming care arrangements
- SAAS or college award letters for dependants aged 16 to 25
Make sure documents are complete, or your application may be delayed.
When to apply
- Apply from July if you are starting in August
- Applying too early may delay your application
Apply and send evidence
If you have already applied and need to send evidence, use our online submission form below. You can view guidance on uploading files to online forms.