Education Maintenance Allowance
EMA is an allowance of £30 per week, depending on household income.
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 2025/2026 academic year open on Monday 02 June 2025.
Applications for the 2024/2025 academic year are now closed, with the exception of applications for Oasis & HYPE.
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.
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 2025 if you were born between 1 March 2006 and 30 September 2009, or by 28 February 2026 if you were born between 1 October 2009 and 28 February 2010 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 2026.
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.
