Families in East Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to act early and apply online now for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) ahead of schools reopening in August.
The EMA scheme is open to students who stay on at school after they reach the statutory school leaving age and could see them benefit by £30/week. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the Council, with applications going online for the first time this year.
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council said, "The application process opened today (Monday 15 June) and has been made simpler than ever this year with a move to an entirely online process.
"For eligible families, this payment is designed to help ease the financial strain of a young person staying on for senior stage education. Please check now to see if you fit the criteria and apply as soon as possible to get everything in place ahead of schools reopening in August."
Information on the scheme can be found on the Council's website along with an application form and supporting guidance notes. Please note:
- Students who are 16 before 1 October 2020 can apply for the EMA which will be paid from the start of the school session in August 2020.
- Students who turn 16 between 1 October 2020 - 28 February 2021 can apply for the EMA which will be paid from January 2021.
Joint Council Leader, Andrew Polson, added, "Given the continuing challenges facing the Council in dealing with the pandemic, it is more important than ever to apply early. The application process has been streamlined to make it easier so please act now to ensure that you are in receipt of the Allowance as quickly as possible.
"All supporting documents can be securely uploaded and submitted with the application so it is worth spending some time checking what you'll need before you begin."
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