Our Budget Consultation 2025/26 is now live
Have your say at dumgal.gov.uk/budget.
Financial support for 16 to 19-year-olds from low-income families who stay on in full time education after their statutory school leaving date.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a means-tested weekly allowance of £30, usually for a maximum of 3 years. Students must have 100% attendance as listed in their EMA learning agreement with the school or college. It's paid every 2 weeks, during term time, not in school holidays. Funding comes from the Scottish Government.
Dumfries and Galloway Council pays EMA to eligible school students. You must apply each academic year.
Students can apply if they:
To get EMA, your household income must be:
Household income is the income of your parents or carers who live with you.
Dependent children are:
You must apply before 31 March to get EMA for the current academic year. If you're at school you should apply here. If you're at college you should apply at your college.
Read the application guidance notes for advice on the application process.
The start date of EMA payments is dependent on the date of your sixteenth birthday:
Applications received after these dates will not be backdated. EMA will be paid from the start of the week in which we receive your application.
If we need any of these we'll email you after you apply. You can return the forms to ema@dumgal.gov.uk.
If you get any benefits ask your local Jobcentre Plus to complete Part C and return to us. This is not needed if you only get Universal Credit.
If your are self-employed you must send us your self-assessment tax calculation (SA302) or part B - accountants certificate
Contact the education support team if you need help or advice: