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Helping your child get on in life

There’s a world of learning choices open to your child if they’re 16, 17 or 18 and have left or are about to leave compulsory education.

Whatever they want to do, they’ll find a course to suit their ambitions - from office administration to digital media, science and technology to travel, tourism and hospitality.

And they’ll be able to find a way of learning that’s right for them too. This might mean staying in sixth form, going to college or learning at work.

Advice on courses and careers

Want to make sure you offer the right advice?  Contact your local Connexions service for guidance on courses and career options.

• Find your nearest Connexions adviser Opens new window

How can EMA help your child?

EMA is there to help with your child’s costs if they stay in learning.

If your household income is less than £30,810 then your child can get help with £10, £20 or £30 a week towards the cost of books, travel or equipment.

This money will be paid straight into your child’s bank account. To get their EMA payments, they will need to open an account if they don't have one already.

• Getting a current account (young people section)

If your child is already getting EMA

If your child already receives EMA and they continue their course, they may automatically qualify for the same payments during 2009/10 – even if your household income has increased.

See ‘Apply for EMA’ to check whether they qualify for automatic payments under the ‘EMA guarantee’.

Applying for EMA

Applying for EMA is simple. Follow the link below to get hold of an application form.

• Apply for EMA (education and learning section)

What do you need to do if your child is applying?

Unless your child qualifies for automatic payments under the EMA guarantee, they’ll need to complete an EMA application form.

Once your child has completed the application, you’ll also need to provide some information, and send evidence of your household income for the relevant tax year.

This might be a Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602), or P60.

• Tax credits (money, tax and benefits section)
• More about P60s (money, tax and benefits section)

Advice on EMA

To find out more about EMA (and some other types of financial help to stay in learning), call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

What about claiming other benefits?

The good news is that EMA doesn’t affect any other benefits you may already claim. So you are still free to keep claiming Child Benefit, tax credits and other types of support.