Money Matters

If you continue learning after 16 - either in full time education or through work based learning - you can get financial help with the cost of your studies.

Financial help with learning

Whether you decide to stay on in full time education or learn through work, there is financial help available. The type of help you can receive - and how much money you are entitled to - will depend on your personal circumstances.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can give you up to £30 a week to stay in learning after you leave school. Depending on your progress and attendance, you can also earn bonuses. The amount that you get will depend on your household income. You can apply for EMA if you are:

• in full-time education at school sixth form or college, for example studying AS or A Level
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• taking part in an Entry to Employment (E2E) programme
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• on a 'Programme Led Apprenticeship' (this is a programme, usually based in a college or training provider) designed to lead you towards an 'Employer Led Apprenticeship', where you will work for an employer).
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EMA is paid on top of any other financial help the government gives you, so it won't affect any household benefits that you or your family may be claiming (such as Income Support, Child Benefit or Working Tax Credit). Further information can be found at http://ema.direct.gov.uk/

Learner Support Fund

If you have money problems, you may get help from the school or college Learner Support Fund. It may also be know as an 'access' or 'hardship' fund.  You will need to check this out with the college or school you are planning to go to.

Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit

Your parents will be able to claim Child Benefits for you and may also get Child Tax Credits.  More information is available at www.direct.gov.uk

Care to Learn

If you are a young parent aged from 16-19 who wants to carry on with learning, Care to Learn can help with money to cover the cost of your childcare. You can call Care to Learn on 0845 600 2809 or follow the link to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/Caretolearn

The Government produce a useful guide to finance for young people which you can read by clicking on the link below.