EMA can give you up to £30 a week to help you get more qualifications or vocational skills after 16.

This includes full-time further education courses at college or school, an LSC-funded Entry to Employment (e2e) programme, or a Programme Led Pathway. The extra cash will come in handy and because it's paid directly to you, you'll be a bit more independent and you won't have to rely so much on your parents or carers. We want to encourage you to continue learning because skills and qualifications mean you're likely to earn more money when you get a job. Learning can also help you work out what you enjoy, what you're good at and what you might want to do in life.

Having at least five good GCSE's or their equivalent, like an NVQ level 2, really helps you get on in life - research proves it. Thanks to EMA, money need not be a barrier to helping you do well, and your hard work and success will be recognised by cash bonuses too.

Did you know?

• EMA can make continuing learning more affordable.
• You can get extra cash to buy the things you need, and bonuses for doing well on your course or learning programme.
• You won't have to ask you parents or carers to pay for things so often.
• You can focus on getting new skills and qualifications and experience shows these can lead to better opportunities in the future.
• Your household benefits will not be affected by EMA payments

Visit the EMA website (see below) for lots of useful information or call 0808 10 16219 for advice and to request your EMA application pack which has more details.