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Student Services - Money Matters
Students over 16 years
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If you are aged between 16 ? 19 years you may be eligible for EMA.
EMA is a weekly allowance of between £10 and £30 which is intended to help you stay in education or training after you reach school-leaving age. You may also receive bonus payments if you remain on your course and make good progress.
Higher Education Student Support Guarantee (HESSG). If you receive EMA for the first time on or after 1st September 2008 and go onto full-time higher education within the next three years you will be GUARANTEED the top rate of Maintenance Grant. Certain terms and conditions apply, including that you live have to be living in England. Further details will be sent to you when you receive your first EMA payment.
Am I eligible for EMA?
- You must be aged between 16 and 19 years.
- Your household income must be less than £30,810 in the last tax year.
How do I apply?
- Apply online at www.direct.gov.uk/ema
- If you have already received EMA your should automatically be sent a form to re-apply for your next school/college year.
- If your parents are on benefits they will not lose any money if you receive EMA.
How will I receive my EMA payments?
EMA is an attendance allowance, the amount you receive is calculated by looking at how much money is coming into your household.
EMA comes in payments of £10, £20 or £30 per week which go directly into your bank account.
Learner Support Fund (LSF)
You will be eligible for LSF if:
- You are 16 years or older and studying full-time or part-time on a College course.
- You have been living in the UK for 3 years before the start of your course.
- You are ordinarily resident in England or Wales.
The College is entitled to determine priority groups and minimum/maximum amounts awarded to students. Funds are limited and all applications for LSF are assessed on your household income. Please apply as early as possible, contact the Finance Office for further information
The LSF can be used for:
- Financial hardship and emergencies.
- Childcare costs (at Ofsted registered providers only).
- Accommodation costs for those if you live away from home.
- Day to day living costs.
- Registration fees and exam fees.
- Essential course related equipment, materials and field trips.
- Support services for students with disabilities.
The Learner Support Fund for 16-18yrs is now closed. All available funding has been allocated.
Somerset County Bus Pass
This ticket allows students attending school or a 16+ College of Further Education to travel on any local public service in Somerset. This is a go anywhere pass; you can travel weekends, evenings and during college holidays.
The Somerset County Bus Pass costs between £460 - £610 per year (payment options available).
You can also opt for Pass Protection which covers the cost of replacing your bus pass if it is lost or stolen. Pass Protection costs an additional £40. If you do not take out Pass Protection you will be liable for the full cost of replacing your bus pass.
How to apply
You can collect an application form from College Information or click here to download an application form.
Support with Registered Childcare Costs
There are two main funds for helping with the cost of childcare; Care to Learn and Registered Childcare Fund.
What types of childcare are eligible?
- Childminders
- Nursery
- Creche
- After school clubs
All childcare providers must be Ofsted registered.
For an overview of funding available to help with childcare costs whilst you are studying click here.
Care to Learn
Care to Learn is a childcare funding scheme for young parents. It provides help with paying your childcare and travel costs and can also give you access to advice and support.
Care to Learn is available if you are caring for your own child or children. You must be aged between 16 and 20 on the day your course starts.
For more information on Care to Learn and to apply for funding, visit www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn or phone 0800 121 8989. Contact the Financial Guidance Officer on 01823 366 352/516
Somerset College Children?s Centre
The College has it?s own nursary on campus for children aged from 3 months to school age. Click here to find out more about the Children?s Centre.
