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Money advice
In this section we look at the financial aspects of staying in full-time education, training or going out to work.
Money advice for further learning
Everyone aged 16-19 has a "learning entitlement" to free education and training, so if you start a full-time course or Learning and Skills Council (LSC)-funded training programme, you won't have to pay the fees.
However, there are still certain things that could help meet the costs of staying in learning:
Benefits
If your parents/carers are getting child benefit or other benefits like family tax credits then these will continue if you go to sixth form or college.
If you enrol on a full-time LSC-funded training programme then your family can still get child benefit and family tax credits! However, you personally are not entitled to any benefits until you reach 16, unless there are special circumstances.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
What is an EMA?
EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for eligible learners aged 16 - 19 who are about to leave, or who have already left compulsory education.
EMA is available for full-time further education courses at college or school, LSC-funded Entry to Employment (E2E) or a Programme Led Pathway.
The payments are intended to help cover the day-to-day costs e.g. travel costs, books and equipment.
There are also bonuses if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.
Tell me more about EMA
Weekly payments of £30, £20 or £10 per week direct to your bank account, depending on your family’s household income.
Additional bonuses are available on top of the weekly allowance.
The EMA will not affect any other support or benefits that your family receives.
For more information and an application pack call Freephone 0800 121 8989 or speak to a Youth & Connexions Personal Adviser.
Bonuses - £100 four times a year (Jan and July).
To qualify you need to be in full time education, LSC funded E2E (Entry to Employment) or PLP (Programme Led Pathways).
Did you know that In Suffolk over 5,500 young people received EMA (2005/06) - so make sure you find out if you qualify too!
Students with disabilities
Generally speaking, study should not affect your Disability Living Allowance because it is a benefit that meets your needs at home. However, sixth forms and colleges do have access to extra money that they can use to pay for additional resources to meet your needs.
Once you turn 16, you may also claim Income Support in your own right even if you still live with your parents.
Care to Learn?
The aim of this scheme is to provide financial support to teenage parents aged 16 - 19 who want to continue in education, or are returning to education. It also covers training, NVQs and Basic Skills.
For further information call the Care to Learn? helpline on 0800 121 8989 (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm)
Apprenticeships
If you follow the work-based learning route and begin an Apprenticeship you will have a regular salary, which, should be a minimum of £95 a week.
Depending on your circumstances you may qualify for additional benefits, but this is a complicated subject, so that’s when your Connexions Personal Adviser can help out.
Army Further Education Bursary Scheme
Want to get paid while you learn?
Army Further Education Bursary Scheme is a chance for young people leaving School and going to a Further Education College to study a vocational subject with a Bursary of up to £5,000 on offer!
It doesn't affect the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and is also available to any person up to the age of 32.
Find out more at the Army Jobs Website Further Education Bursary Scheme 
