Money, Money, Money!
Let’s face it, money is important. In this section we look at some of the different entitlements available to young people. Use the page links below.
EMA – Education Maintenance Allowance
Benefits
Child care costs for young parents
EMA – Education Maintenance Allowance
EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance), which was available for students continuing onto further education and training after Year 11 will closed to new applicants in England from January 2011.
Learner support funds will be available through schools, colleges and training providers to help students who most need it to continue in learning. If you currently get EMA you will continue to receive it for the rest of this academic year, but you will not receive it next academic year.
For more information go onto www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links to the EMA section. There is a free helpline: 0800 121 8989 which is open until 8pm.
New information will follow about how the new Learner Support Fund will apply to students going onto further education or training.
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Benefits
Most young people aged 16 to 18 are unable to claim any benefits. For those that can this will be either Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Disability Living Allowance or Employment Support Allowance. Whether you can claim and what you can receive will depend on your circumstances at the time that you make your claim.
From 27 October 2008, Employment and Support Allowance replaced Incapacity Benefit.
The principle of Employment and Support Allowance is that every one should have the opportunity to work. For further information or to make a claim www.dwp.gov.uk or 0800 055 66 88.
There may be other benefits that may be able to be claimed if you have a disability. For further information click www.dwp.gov.uk.
If you would like more information, you can contact your Medway Youth Trust Connexions Personal Adviser, drop in to our Connexions Centre in Chatham, look at www.direct.gov.uk or www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
If you register with Jobcentre Plus, please make sure you say you would like to continue to receive support from Connexions. That way, we can ensure you get the support you need.
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Childcare Costs
If you are a parent under 20 years of age, Care to Learn is a scheme that could really help you to go to college, sixth form or attend training. Care To Learn pays up to £160 per week for Childcare costs and some travel expenses if you enrol on appropriate programmes.
Talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser or click www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn
