Education Maintenance Allowance

Get your Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

You could get a weekly allowance of £30 per week if you:

• attend a school in the West Lothian Council area, or
• you are on an Activity Agreement (HYPE), or
• you are on the Oasis Programme, or
• you are Home Educated, or
• you attend Donaldsons or Moorehouse, or
• you are estranged from parents or in care of the local authority

Please note that college students should contact their college directly to apply for EMA.

Applications for the 2024/25 academic year are open

• Education Maintenance Allowance - Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that a fresh application must be submitted each academic year.

To apply for Education Maintenance Allowance, you'll need to complete both the application form and a learning agreement.

The application form can be completed by either the student or their parent/guardian, and includes an eligibility checker at the start. College students should contact their college directly to apply for EMA.

If you require help completing an application you can email the Families and Young Peoples Advice Service fypas@westlothian.gov.uk who would be happy to assist.

Check Eligibility and Apply

Once you've submitted your application, you also need to complete a learning agreement. This should be completed by the student, and is an agreement between the student and the school.

Complete your Learning Agreement (opens new window)

The application and learning agreement need to be submitted by 30 September 2024 if you were born between 1 March 2005 and 30 September 2008, or by 28 February 2025 if you were born between 1 October 2008 and 28 February 2009 in order to receive backdated payments to the start of term, otherwise payments will be made from the point the application is received. No school application can be accepted after 31 March 2025.

If you are in foster care, you do not need to complete an application form. Please email EducationBenefits@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) to apply for EMA. You will need to give your name, address, school, and bank account details. You will also need to provide proof of placement by way of a letter from Social Work and complete a Learning Agreement (opens new window)

You may be entitled to other benefits Social Security Scotland - Benefits (opens new window)

Families and Young Peoples Advice Service

Please use this link if you would like a financial health check and support to make sure your income is maximised Families and Young Peoples Advice Service

Data Protection law gives you a number of rights including the right to make a complaint about the handling of your personal information. Complaints should be submitted to the Information Commissioner's Office or the Council's Data Protection Officer. Further details can be found on the Data Protection Section of our website.