Education Maintenance Allowance - Payments
Payment Options
Parents have the option of receiving the parent portion of the EMA by either:
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into your bank account
or
- Payment by Cheque
How to apply for the EFT payment option
The EMA application form includes a section for you to tick which payment option you would prefer. The form will also now include space for your bank account details.
EMA application forms are available from your child’s school.
Payments in 2012
The allowance is paid in two instalments throughout the year the first instalment from March onwards and the second instalment from August onwards. Half of the payment is paid to the school and half to the parent or guardian.
Primary students
The total annual combined payment for primary students is $235 (increased from $230 in 2011)
Parent portion:
- instalment one $82.25 (from March 2012)
- instalment two $35.25 (from August 2012)
The portion that goes to your school will be $82.25 for instalment one and $35.25 for instalment two.
Secondary students
The total annual combined payment for secondary students is $470 (increased from $460 in 2011)
Parent portion:
- instalment one $164.50 (from March 2012)
- instalment two $70.50 (from August 2012)
The portion that goes to your school will be $164.50 for instalment one and $70.50 for instalment two.
Students who turn 16 in 2012
Students who turn 16 during 2012 receive a pro-rata payment of the EMA calculated on the number of months that they are eligible, up to and including the month that they turn 16.
The payment amounts to parents and guardians range from $19.15 for a student who turns 16 in January to the full $235.00 for a student who turns 16 in December.
Pro-rata rates for students who turn 16 in 2012:
| Birth Month | Instalment 1 | Instalment 2 | Total Parent Portion | Total School Portion | Total Payment |
| January | $19.58 | $0 | $19.58 | $19.58 | $39.16 |
| February | $39.17 | $0 | $39.17 | $39.17 | $78.34 |
| March | $58.75 | $0 | $58.75 | $58.75 | $117.50 |
| April | $78.33 | $0 | $78.33 | $78.33 | $156.66 |
| May | $97.92 | $0 | $97.92 | $97.92 | $195.84 |
| June | $117.50 | $0 | $117.50 | $117.50 | $235.00 |
| July | $117.50 | $19.58 | $137.08 | $137.08 | $274.16 |
| August | $117.50 | $39.17 | $156.67 | $156.67 | $313.34 |
| September | $117.50 | $58.75 | $176.25 | $176.25 | $352.50 |
| October | $117.50 | $78.33 | $195.83 | $195.83 | $391.66 |
| November | $117.50 | $97.92 | $215.42 | $215.42 | $430.84 |
| December | $117.50 | $117.50 | $235.00 | $235.00 | $470.00 |