West Dunbartonshire Council has opened applications for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the 2026/27 academic year, inviting 16-to-19-year-olds from low-income families who are continuing in full‑time school or college courses to apply for a term‑time payment of up to £120 per month.
Who is eligible and how the payments work
The EMA scheme is designed to provide fortnightly payments during term time, credited directly into the young person’s bank account. Payments do not affect child benefit or other entitlements received by parents or carers.
- Age range: 16–19 years (continuing education at school or college)
- Maximum amount: up to £120 each month, paid fortnightly during term time
- Application: now open; previous recipients must submit a new application
Local take-up and council statements
In the 2025/26 year the council distributed a total of £224,706 across the authority’s five secondary schools, supporting 237 young people. Councillors have emphasised the role the allowance plays in helping pupils stay in education amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
"This term-time allowance supports pupils to continue with their education and is a good incentive to remain at school," said Councillor Michelle McGinty, convener of educational services.
Councillor John Millar, vice convener of educational services, reiterated the council’s efforts to raise awareness of available help and underlined that the payment will not affect other benefits claimed by parents and carers.
Practical considerations for families
Those considering applying should note that the scheme requires evidence of household income and that payments are conditional on continued attendance. The council advises applicants to consult the full eligibility criteria and application guidance on the West Dunbartonshire Council website to ensure all documentation is provided.
| Item | 2026/27 detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly payment | £120 |
| Paid | Fortnightly during term time |
| Recipients last year | 237 young people |
| Total distributed (last year) | £224,706 |
For many households within West Dunbartonshire, a regular payment of up to £30 a week for each eligible pupil can help cover travel, uniform, study materials and other costs that might otherwise act as barriers to staying on in education. The council’s public messaging underlines both the financial value and the wider goal of improving retention into further education.
Applications are open now and the council advises all previously supported pupils to reapply to avoid missing payments when term resumes in August. Full details, including how to apply and the documentation required, are available on the council’s website.
