Published 30 June 2022
Senior pupils are encouraged to apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the new academic year.
Young people aged 16-19 who are staying on at school may be eligible for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August 2022.
The grant, which is paid fortnightly, provides an incentive for young people from lower income families to continue with their education, either in school or college.
During 2021/22, 333 young people across the authority’s five secondary schools benefited from £300,816.
In addition to this payment, twice per year the Council gave an extra £5 per week to every young person who achieved 100% attendance. Since July last year the Council payed £54,005 in additional EMA funding.
This weekly term time allowance is paid directly into the young person’s bank account and does not affect child benefit or other benefits being paid to their parents or carers.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022/23 academic year and anyone who has claimed EMA in previous years must reapply.
Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: “This weekly term-time allowance supports pupils’ access to education and is a good incentive to remain at school and further their education. I would encourage all young people who are eligible to apply to ensure they do not miss out on £30 every week, during each of the school terms, from August.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “The Council continues to work hard to raise awareness about the financial support that is available to eligible households. We know the financial pressures families are feeling with the cost of living increasing. This money will not affect any other benefits claimed by parents and carers. This financial support could make all the difference to encourage a young staying on at school to further their education and I would urge any eligible families to claim this money.”
Further information about Education Maintenance Allowance, including full eligibility criteria, is available on the Council’s website at https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-and-educational-grants/education-maintenance-allowance/