Lisnagarvey High School

If you decide to stay on at school or go to college in Northern Ireland from September 2007, you may be able to get Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

What is EMA?

A fortnightly payment worth up to £60 depending on household income. There are five £100 bonuses to be awarded for hard work, meeting deadlines, and very good attendance.

Who is eligible?

You can get an EMA if:

• you are aged 16, 17, 18 or 19 years on or between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2008
• you are doing at least 15 hours of guided learning at an FE college or studying full time at school in Northern Ireland

If your household income is:

What is EMA for?

The fortnightly payments are intended to help cover the day-to-day costs that you have to meet when you stay on at school or college, such as travel costs, books and equipment for your course.

Do I have to pay it back?

No, but it will stop if you withdraw from your course or fail to meet the requirements of your Learning Agreement.

What is a Learning Agreement?

It is a document that will outline what is expected of you with regard to:

• Attendance
• Coursework
• Progress

If you do not adhere to the Agreement your EMA will not be paid.

Will it affect child benefit?

No. EMA will not affect your parents Child Benefit, or other Benefits. It is paid on top of other government benefits. It will not affect any earnings you may have from a part-time job.

Where can I get more information?

Application packs are available from Mr Fulton, who will be pleased to an- swer any queries.