Young academics in Ayrshire who choose to stay in education from next month could be in line for a cash boost.
For East Ayrshire Council has revealed details of an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
The EMA provides financial support to eligible young people aged 16 to 19 who choose to stay in education from August 2021. Pupils from all over the Ayrshire region can apply.
Young people who qualify for the allowance will sign an EMA Learning Agreement with their school or college and receive £30 a week paid directly into a bank account.
The agreement clearly sets out what needs to be achieved in terms of attendance, coursework and progress towards set goals.
Young people on an Activity Agreement placement may also be eligible for an EMA.
East Ayrshire Councillor Jacqui Todd, cabinet member for housing, welfare and poverty, said: “The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a real help to our young people who choose to stay in education or who are on an Activity Agreement placement.
“The agreement they sign with their school or college is straightforward and it is there to help our young people reach their full potential.
“Please don’t miss out on this opportunity.
“All the information you need and the application form are on our website and if you have any questions, you can email the EMA team who will be happy to help you.”
To qualify for the allowance young people on a non-advanced further education course at school or college must be born between March 1, 2002 and February 28, 2006.
Households with one dependent child should have an income of £24,421 or below and households with two or more dependent children should have an income of £26,884 or below.
Applications for young people born between March 1, 2002 and September 30, 2005 should be submitted by Thursday, September 30.
If an application is received after this date and is successful, the EMA will only be paid from the date the application is received.
Applications for young people born between October 1, 2005 and February 28, 2006 should be submitted by Monday, February 28, 2022. If an application is received after this date and is successful, the EMA will only be paid from the date the application is received.
The cut-off date for applications for the 2021/22 academic year is Thursday, March 31, 2022.
For more information, mail the EMA team at ema@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or visit https://www.mygov.scot/ema
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