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Education and learning
EMA delays: contacting the helpline
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) would like to apologise for the delays some people are experiencing with Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). LSC has now appointed a different company to handle the EMA helpline and EMA processing and payments, and is working hard to clear the backlog as quickly as possible.
Problems with the EMA and ALG helpline
Problems with the helpline for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Adult Learning Grant (ALG) mean that you may have difficulty getting through.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is working to address these problems, and to clear the backlog of applications, as quickly as possible.
The helpline (0800 121 8989) is open 7.00 am to 8.00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Already applied for EMA?
There have been some difficulties introducing the new system for processing applications. Many have been processed manually, and this has led to some delays.
A different company is taking over the EMA helpline and processing and payments from 28 November. If you’ve already applied, there's no need to call the helpline to follow up. Applications will continue to be processed during the transfer period, and your Notice of Entitlement will be sent out as soon as possible.
You won’t miss out on payments as a result of any delay in processing your application. As long as your EMA application was received before the end of October 2008, your payments will be backdated to the start of your course.
Thinking about applying for EMA?
You can apply for EMA at any time during the year. To make sure your application is processed as quickly as possible, check that you’ve completed the form correctly and return all the relevant evidence with it.
If you apply from November 2008, your payments will be backdated to when your application was received.
Getting hold of an EMA application form
If you're having trouble getting through to the helpline, remember that you can get a copy of the EMA application form from your school, college, learning provider or local Connexions service.
If you’re in financial difficulty
It’s worth talking to your college or school sixth form if you’re in financial difficulty - they may be able to provide help through their Discretionary Support Fund.
Colleges and schools decide how they use their Discretionary Support Funds, but they’re prioritised for those who face financial hardship.
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