EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance)

[GommeInc]

If EMA gets scrapped then they would have to do the same with student loans. Who do you know has spend their student loan on what it's there for?

Although I do now disagree with what I've said i still think EMA should still be there. Some may say I was greedy for getting it butI only got it about 7 times throughout the year so I only took 140 quid of other peoples money and have payed alot more back in taxes. I also didn't spend it on the correct purpose because I never needed too. I lived 20mins away from my collage and skateboarded there everyday, only thing I needed to spend money on was pens and a pack of 10 done me the year, costing about 50p.

Would you agree to scrap the EMA system if you were allowed EMA?

That all depends on what my characteristics would be like if I scrounged for money from a system, but then again I'm someone who hates loans and credit cards so it all depends on that really As it is free money, receiving it won't really take much thought - it looks like free money and aload of people defend receiving anything for free because they feel they have done nothing wrong, which is true, they haven't, but the system in which it comes from is wrong, because it has no limitation because money is fluid and uncontrollable, but the limitations on how to get that money is heavily limited and doesn't take into consideration the size of families, for example

Also, student loans aren't the same as the EMA - you pay back student loans and you don't pay back EMA money, as that is an allowance rather than a payback when you're wealthy schemes. It's like a benefits scheme, you don't pay back benefits unless you've gained them illegally, and as the EMA is excempt (somehow) from illegal use, it doesn't fit the same bill.

[IceNineKills]

You win, respect for leaving your name on the rep aswell.

[GommeInc]

I kinda regret sending that, seeing as you're mature about it

[IceNineKills]

Meh, only rep.

[RandomManJay]

If EMA gets scrapped then they would have to do the same with student loans. Who do you know has spend their student loan on what it's there for?

Actually the student loans would still need to be used, most of the loan is actually used for the tuition fees which the students don't even see as its paid directly to the university. The rest of the student loan is for personal usage such as accommodation, materials, food etc. Every student who attends university who has spoiled their loan will eventually see why it's there and why you need to keep it. Also the loan is different from EMA because you actually have to pay it back whereas with EMA you dont because technically its actually like a mini-grant, to which many university students dont recieve because they haven't fulfilled the criteria. Also when you are attending Sixth Form you are expected to be at home where the income is high enough to qualify, so the government sees it that students could use their parents or whoever holds the main income of the house as their main source of finance whereas many students do actually move away for uni and the fact that you're moving away improves the chances of a higher loan for accommodation etc.

So EMA isn't technically required because people can learn without it because the actual education is free. Student Loans are requred because the education isn't free. The majority of people who attend uni are aged 18-24 which have no higher qualifications and therefore couldn't possibly be employed in a job which gives out an adequate amount of money for the tuition fees etc. And for those who don't fit in the age range, they are here for a reason, to get the qualifications to get the better jobs, those who can pay for the tuition themselves, they do, but those who don't get the loans.

[Hitman]

Yes, some people who receive it are greedy and spend it on things that they don't need. However, there will be some people who do need it and will spend it on things they need, not things they want.

There are things some people need to pay for. The cost of travel to and from college, books, equipment and food. Now, if I were to catch the bus 5 days a week at the price for a return ticket, it'd cost £17.50 a week. Then, add on food. That'd cost roughly £12.50 a week, so already we're at the maximum of £30 that the EMA provides. Then, on top of this, there's equipment, such as paper, pens, etc. along with the books. I know these are one off items, but when you're spending your £30 a week on food and transport you've got nothing left.

I agree that it should take into account everybody in the household. For example, you could have two parents earning a combined total of £50k a year and they have 5 children, who will all need paying for. But those children wont be eligible for EMA support. So really they should do it on something like how much money your household earns per child in the house or something.

I will admit, I am (going to be) receiving EMA. But it will help me, my dad doesn't earn a lot and it will just allow me to pay for transport/food/equipment and any other things I may need, not want.

And besides, if you could receive it then you probably would. Most people wouldn't turn down free money if they were elegible for it, especially if they need it.

[adaym]

Everyone or no one.

[Arron]

can anyone help?

i dont think its ever to late to get EMA but here goes:

my mum is on minimal wage and her partner has his own business fitting kitchens earning good money. because im not related to my mum's bf and have no relationship with my real father, do you think i should get EMA?

[StefanWolves]

can anyone help?

i dont think its ever to late to get EMA but here goes:

my mum is on minimal wage and her partner has his own business fitting kitchens earning good money. because im not related to my mum's bf and have no relationship with my real father, do you think i should get EMA?

your moms boyfriend will count as it's your overall HOUSEHOLD income, so if your moms bf is living in the same house as you, then yes, he will also count towards EMA. If your mom is on minimum wage (min wage = what? rough guess is £12,000, but I aint got a clue really) and her bf isn't on as much as £18,000 a year then you may get £10 a week, but all this depends on if he lives with you... if he doesn't, then you should get at least £20 or maybe even £30 per week.

[lBlue]

your moms boyfriend will count as it's your overall HOUSEHOLD income, so if your moms bf is living in the same house as you, then yes, he will also count towards EMA. If your mom is on minimum wage (min wage = what? rough guess is £12,000, but I aint got a clue really) and her bf isn't on as much as £18,000 a year then you may get £10 a week, but all this depends on if he lives with you... if he doesn't, then you should get at least £20 or maybe even £30 per week.

He works for himself so if he lives in his house he wont get it even if he is earning an amount that would otherwise earn EMA.