Education Maintenance Allowance - EMA

If you are the parent or guardian of a child under 16 years of age and receive an eligible Centrelink benefit and a Health Care Card or pension card, you may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance from the Victorian Government.

The total annual combined payment for secondary students is $443 (increased from $430 in 2008).

Parent portion:

• instalment one $155.05 (from March 2009)
• instalment two $66.45 (from August 2009)

The portion that goes to your school will be $155.05 for instalment one and $66.45 for instalment two.

The parent portion is often used to help with uniforms or excursions, while the school’s portion may be used on textbooks, stationery and school camps for your child.

Your school can provide you with the application form and details about deadlines.