Clackmannanshire Council Online

Education Maintenance Allowance

Education Maintenance Allowance

If you're 16 to 19 years old you could get £30 a week to help you continue learning, through the Education Maintenance Allowance programme.

The EMA is a Scottish Government fund to support young people from lower income families to continue with their studies.

You could be eligible if your family earns up to £24,421 a year or £26,884 if you have siblings, depending on the course you're studying or if you are on a Learning Agreement. The payment is based on attendance and on you fulfilling any learning agreement you may have.

The EMA is paid directly into your personal bank account. It can only be paid when you have achieved 100% attendance.

To find out if you are eligible, please contact us using the details below or find out more at www.emascotland.com.

Apply for an EMA

Online applications are open for the 2025/26 school term. 

• Age 16-19 on or before 30 September 2025 
  • EMA can be paid from week ended 25 August 2025 (If we receive your application by 30 September 2025) 
  • Applications received between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 can be paid from the week we first receive your application
  • No applications can be accepted after 31 March 2026
• Age 16 between 1 October 2025 and 28 February 2026
  • EMA can be paid from week ended 10 January 2026 (if we receive your application by 28 February 2026) 
  • Applications received between 1 March 2026 and 31 March 2026 can be paid from the week we first receive your application.
  • No applications can be accepted after 31 March 2026

The cut off date for all applications for the academic year 2025/26 is 31 March 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date.

If you attend Forth Valley College, you'll need to apply through the college. 

Please Note: You will need to complete the application with your parent/carer present as some of the questions relate to their circumstances, and they need to sign the declaration.

Payment of an EMA is restricted to a maximum of 3 years. However, if you have special educational needs you may be entitled to receive 3 years EMA support over a 4 year period.

An EMA will not be paid until an award and Learning Agreement is in place.

If your family receive Income Support you are also eligible for Free School Meals, for which you must submit all the necessary paperwork. Please contact us for more details.

EMA income thresholds, academic session 2025/26

• Gross taxable income up to £24,421
  • No of dependent children in household = 1: award £30
• Gross taxable income up to £26,884
  • No of dependent children in household = 2+: award £30
• Note that dependent children are all those up to the age of 16 and those over the age of 16 and up to age 25 if they are in full time further or higher education, of which proof is required.

Supporting documentation

For information on supporting documentation you need to submit with your application, please follow the link given.