• The parents receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (for tax credits - up to a level of income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue, which will qualify the family for help with health costs)
• The distance when measured by the nearest available safe walking route is five miles or more, and if the course chosen is not available at a nearer school or college.

Please contact One Stop Information Service for more information (see below for details)

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

 If you decide to stay on at 6th form school or go to college you may be able to get an EMA.

It is a payment worth £10.00, £20.00 or £30.00 per week (dependent on household income) for students who are aged 16 to 19 and planning to continue in or enter into Further Education from September 2006. 

There are also 2 bonuses of £100 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.

Payments will be made direct to your bank account.

Who will be entitled?

• You are aged 16 - 19 years 
• Your household income is less than £30,810. 
• Your course involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week (such as lectures and supervised study).
• You are on a further education course such as AS/A2 GNVQs, NVQs and GCSEs in school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and FE colleges.

WIll EMA affect my family's/own benefits?

EMA is paid in addition to other support and benefits provided by the Government. Your family won't lose out on other money if you get EMA.

It will not affect your parent's Child Benefit

It won't affect any money you earn from a part-time job either.

How do you apply?

Application packs will be available from April 2006.

Where can you get more information?

• Your Careers Teacher
• Bournemouth Student Support Office (see below for details)
• Your Connexions personal Adviser
• website: www.direct.gov.uk/ema 
• Free telephone helpline : 0808 10 16 2 19

Discretionary Awards and Learner Support Funds