Applications are now open for the 2025 to 2026 Education Maintenance Allowance, which offers eligible young people £30 a week during term time from August 2025.
The Highland Council is encouraging all eligible pupils to apply for this valuable support, which helps young people aged 16 to 19 from lower income families to stay on in education.
Over the past year, more than 400 pupils across the region’s 29 secondary schools received around £350,000 through the scheme.
The allowance provides an important boost for those continuing their studies, whether at school or college.
Eligibility is based on household income for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
Families with one dependent child must have a taxable income of £24,421 or less, while those with two or more dependent children must have a taxable income of £26,884 or less.
Payments are made directly to the young person’s bank account.
Importantly, the allowance does not affect child benefit or any other benefits their parents or carers may receive.
For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Highland Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/ema.
The Council’s dedicated Welfare Support Team is also on hand to help.
They can assist young people in completing the online application form and can offer wider advice on claiming benefits and other entitlements.
You can contact the team by calling 0800 090 1004 or by emailing welfare.support@highland.gov.uk.
This is a great opportunity to support young people in building their future.
Families across the Highlands are encouraged to check if they qualify and to make the most of the support available.
