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Check whether you need to fill in an application form this year

Did you get EMA last year?

If you got EMA for 2008/09, you may not need to complete another application form for 2009/10.

Who needs to complete an application form for 2009/10?

You’ll need to fill in a 2009/10 application form if:

• you haven’t applied for EMA before – or you weren’t entitled to it in 2008/09, but think you might be now
• you got EMA for 2008/09, but you think you may be entitled to a higher level of support this year because your household income circumstances have changed
• you got EMA for 2008/09 because you were doing an Entry to Employment (e2e) programme

Who doesn’t need to complete an application form for 2009/10?

The ‘EMA guarantee’ means you automatically get EMA payments at the same rate for up to three years, even if your household income goes up. This applies up to the year in which you reach 19.

So if you got EMA last year, you weren’t doing an e2e programme and your circumstances haven’t changed, you don’t need to complete a form for 2009/2010. Just enrol at your learning provider for 2009/10, and you’ll continue to get your EMA payments. 

Need to talk to someone?

See ‘EMA: how much and how often’ for a guide to how much EMA you’re likely to get for 2009/10, based on your circumstances. If you’re not sure whether you're eligible – or whether you need to fill in the form - call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.

• EMA: how much, and how often?

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

How to apply

Make sure you’re applying for the right EMA scheme

This page outlines how to apply for EMA if you’re studying in England.

If you’re studying in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, don't use the application form for people studying in England: you’ll need to apply to the EMA scheme for the country you intend to study in. See 'EMA in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales' to find out how.

• EMA in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Get your EMA application pack

If you're studying in England, the easiest way to get an application pack is to request one online.

• Request an EMA application pack online (if you’re studying in England) Opens new window

You can also get an application pack by:

• calling the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989
• picking one up at your school, college, learning provider or Connexions office

When to apply

Assuming you’re eligible, the sooner you apply the sooner you’ll get your money.

You can apply for EMA at any time during the year, but if you want your payments backdated to the start of your course or learning programme you’ll need to apply within 28 days of the start date of the course.

If you’re applying near the deadline and think that there may be a problem with the post (for example, because of a strike) get a ‘Certificate of Posting’ from the post office when you send off your application form. You can use this as proof of when you posted it.

Applications delayed because of a postal strike will be treated sympathetically.

Completing parent or carer details

Once you’ve completed the EMA application form, your parent or carer will need to supply evidence of the household income for the relevant tax year (for 2009/10 EMA applications, the relevant tax year will be 2008-09).

This might mean them sending in their Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602), or P60.

• EMA: the facts for parents and carers (parents section)

Get a bank account

To get EMA, you’ll need a bank or building society account and the evidence to prove it (for example, an account statement or letter with your name, address and bank details).

If you haven’t opened a bank account yet, EMA is a good reason to get one.

• Getting a current account (young people section)

What happens next?

If you are eligible for EMA, you’ll be sent a Notice of Entitlement (NOE) confirming how much you’ll get per week. It's important to keep your NOE safe: you won’t be able to claim EMA without it.

Take your NOE with you when you enrol on your course or learning programme.

Your school, college or learning provider will also ask you to sign a learning agreement, setting out what is expected of you in terms of attendance, behaviour, coursework and progress.

Not satisfied with how your EMA application was handled?

If you're not completely satisfied with how your application was handled, call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989. It's staffed by advisers who will be happy to help solve your problem.

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

More useful links

• Information on EMA for partners and providers Opens new window