Education Maintenance Allowance
The Education Maintenance Allowance provides assistance to low-income families by helping with the costs associated with the education of their children.
EMA applications are made by parents/guardians and submitted to schools. Schools have the responsibility to enter all EMA applications onto the EMA Web System by the application close date.
Providing Information to Parents
Schools are responsible for communicating the availability of the EMA to eligible families. To support schools with publicising the EMA, a letter from the Minister for Education, a draft item for school newsletters and an EMA website for parents have been made available.
Parents Letter
Schools are requested to provide a copy of the letter to for eligible parents/guardians providing information on the EMA. See Parent Letter and Sample Newsletter Articles.
For Parents
For information directed at parents/guardians on the Education Maintenance Allowance, see Education Maintenance Allowance.
Students enrolled on Census Day
Please ensure all students attached to EMA applications will be enrolled at the school on Census Day (27 February 2009). This will avoid the need for payment reconciliation between schools.
Bridging Visa (Refugee Status)
Please note, students of families on a Bridging Visa (refugee status) are enrolled in schools fee exempt. These families can apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance under the Special Consideration category. A letter of support is needed from an appropriate welfare agency (i.e. the Australian Red Cross) to verify their situation.
For more information, please read the Policy Statement - Families holding a Temporary Visa or a Bridging Visa (Refugee Status) (PDF - 21Kb).
EMA Support
For questions related to EMA see the following pages:
Further assistance is available by phoning the DEECD Service Desk on 1800 641 943 select 'option 3' and then select 'option 6' or email your question to servicedesk@edumail.vic.gov.au.