Education Maintenance Allowance - Payments
Changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance in 2009
Some changes have been made to how eligible parents can receive their Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payments.
From 2009, you will have the option of receiving your EMA by either:
- electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into your bank account
or
- payment by cheque
How to apply for the new 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 2010
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 $225 (increased from $221 in 2009)
Parent portion:
- instalment one $78.75 (from March 2010)
- instalment two $33.75 (from August 2010)
The portion that goes to your school will be $78.75 for instalment one and $33.75 for instalment two.
Secondary students
The total annual combined payment for secondary students is $450 (increased from $443 in 2009)
Parent portion:
- instalment one $157.50 (from March 2010)
- instalment two $67.50 (from August 2010)
The portion that goes to your school will be $157.50 for instalment one and $67.50 for instalment two.
Students who turn 16 in 2010
Students who turn 16 during 2010 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 $18.75 in total for a student who turns 16 in January to the full $225.00 for a student who turns 16 in December.
Pro-rata rates for students who turn 16 in 2010:
| Birth Month | Instalment 1 | Instalment 2 | Total Parent Portion | Total School Portion | Total Payment |
| January | $18.75 | $0 | $18.75 | $18.75 | $37.50 |
| February | $37.50 | $0 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $75.00 |
| March | $56.25 | $0 | $56.25 | $56.25 | $112.50 |
| April | $75.00 | $0 | $75.00 | $75.00 | $150.00 |
| May | $93.75 | $0 | $93.75 | $93.75 | $187.50 |
| June | $112.50 | $0 | $112.50 | $112.50 | $225.00 |
| July | $112.50 | $18.75 | $131.25 | $131.25 | $262.50 |
| August | $112.50 | $37.50 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $300.00 |
| September | $112.50 | $56.25 | $168.75 | $168.75 | $337.50 |
| October | $112.50 | $75.00 | $187.50 | $187.50 | $375.00 |
| November | $112.50 | $93.75 | $206.25 | $206.25 | $412.50 |
| December | $112.50 | $112.50 | $225.00 | $225.00 | $450.00 |