Should EMA be kept?

[Jords]

I receive £30 and strongly in support of it staying. Even if I didnt get it I would still think the concept should keep going.

Obviously you will have some people abuse the privaledge, and Im gonna admit Ive treat myself with the fund and would do if something I wanted cropped up, but I use it for what its for too. Have actually saved most of it (currently have £300, spent £90 - £30 on myself and gave £60 to mum).

[Vicky.]

Is EMA what university students get too?

My mate from school has had problems financially, couldnt get the loans because hes doing a part time course...but couldnt get some form of funding either (not sure what it was, something regular D: ) and applied for jobseekers...for which he got turned down as he was not available for work due to his course. The jobcentre advised him to DROP his uni course, halfway through. Just so he could claim jobseekers :bored:

Now if thats not sending out the wrong message then I dont know what is

[Shaun]

No.

In my experience absolutely noone used the EMA for its intended purpose - books, travel, stationery - but instead spent it on lunch, going out at the weekend etc.

Besides, with the age of compulsory education raising to 18 this year, it's entirely pointless - it would cost the government billions.

[Ninastar]

No.

In my experience absolutely noone used the EMA for its intended purpose - books, travel, stationery - but instead spent it on lunch, going out at the weekend etc.

Besides, with the age of compulsory education raising to 18 this year, it's entirely pointless - it would cost the government billions.

I agree with this. It's not like the money is needed anyway

[Jords]

To some people it is needed........................

[Ninastar]

If its needed then go get a job hehehehe

[Jords]

Find me 1 then, and all the other people who need the money.

Edit: hehehehe

[Ninastar]

mkay, let me just get my book of jobs out

[Ninastar]

i understand that some people need it, its just that the majority see it as free money, so why not take it anyway.

I'm sure if you tried hard enough, you would be able to find a job

[MTVN]

I think they could design a better system less open to abuse. Like for those who need it to travel to school they should be able to apply for a free bus/train pass or something instead.

When drastic cuts are being made I dont think you can justify handing out money to kids who wont use it the way it's intended

[Zippy]

Hasn't it been scrapped?

[Jords]

i understand that some people need it, its just that the majority see it as free money, so why not take it anyway.

I'm sure if you tried hard enough, you would be able to find a job

Perhaps, but why would I want to lose my weekend because I have to go to work anyway?
I have the whole future to work my arse off everyday, and Id rather have the time to get on with school work whilst being able to balance it out by just relaxing and having fun at the weekend. Im still young and would like to enjoy that thanks.

I think if the application was designed for just people with financial difficulties it would work better, I know quite a few well-off people who get it o.o

[Ninastar]

Perhaps, but why would I want to lose my weekend because I have to go to work anyway?
I have the whole future to work my arse off everyday, and Id rather have the time to get on with school work whilst being able to balance it out by just relaxing and having fun at the weekend. Im still young and would like to enjoy that thanks.

I think if the application was designed for just people with financial difficulties it would work better, I know quite a few well-off people who get it o.o

I see what you mean and everything, but I disagree, I think that if a person really does need the money, they should be willing to work to receive it.

I also think that its unfair that some people get it and some don't. Just because your parents might earn more doesn't mean that you automatically get the money every single week.

[Jords]

I take it you dont get it? :tongue:

[MTVN]

I take it you dont get it? :tongue:

What do you spend it on though?

[Ninastar]

Surprisingly your right.

[Jamie.....]

Ive not really used it for education lol, ive just saved it up
Only the odd book and a laptop if it counts as educational :p

[Shaun]

Jords you've just said you save it - you clearly don't need it for weekly expenses.

[Jords]

What do you spend it on though?

Saved most of it, have gave £60 to help out over Xmas (well £90, but she gave me £30 back), then £30 on food/drink/a DVD. I use the money I get other ways before I dip into EMA. I have £300 atm, should have £90 going in at the end of the week.

/is one of the sensible kinds though


And I think its very much people who get it want it kept vs. jelousy of people who dont. Their parents are better off though so on a whole get treat more -.-

[Zippy]

Jords you've just said you save it - you clearly don't need it for weekly expenses.

yeah I spotted the contradiction.

[Lee.]

Hang about! Do schoolkids get money these days?

[MTVN]

Saved most of it, have gave £60 to help out over Xmas (well £90, but she gave me £30 back), then £30 on food/drink/a DVD. I use the money I get other ways before I dip into EMA. I have £300 atm, should have £90 going in at the end of the week.

/is one of the sensible kinds though


And I think its very much people who get it want it kept vs. jelousy of people who dont. Their parents are better off though so on a whole get treat more -.-

So how did that go to helping your education?

I think the desire to keep the money is more prominent in those who do get it, than the jealousy is in those who don't tbh. As in, I think it is a more influencing factor in their stance on this.

[Ninastar]

Hang about! Do schoolkids get money these days?

Yeah, Its for 16 - 18 year olds, I'm not sure if you get it at uni or not though

[Zippy]

just encourages them not to work if you ask me. Free money is never a good motivator.

[Ninastar]

just encourages them not to work if you ask me. Free money is never a good motivator.

I agree with this

[Lee.]

Yeah, Its for 16 - 18 year olds, I'm not sure if you get it at uni or not though

How much do they get??

[MTVN]

How much do they get??

On average kids get about £20/£30 I'd say, it varies depending on how much your parents earn and you're only eligible if they earn less than £30,00 I think(?)

[Shaun]

Yeah, Its for 16 - 18 year olds, I'm not sure if you get it at uni or not though

At Uni you have to get loans :p

[Lee.]

On average kids get about £20/£30 I'd say, it varies depending on how much your parents earn and you're only eligible if they earn less than £30,00 I think(?)

Per month?

[Ninastar]

How much do they get??

depends on how much your parents earn and I think you only get it if your parents earn less than £30,000. I'm not 100% sure though

[Ninastar]

At Uni you have to get loans :p

sounds fun! :D

[Sarah.]

Nope. Stupid system.

[ILoveTRW]

Per month?

Per week and you get a bonus at the holidays
its an absolute piss take and the only people who really get it are the chavs who shouldn't even be there to start with because they are as thick as pig ****.

[Jords]

Per week and you get a bonus at the holidays
its an absolute piss take and the only people who get really get it are the chavs who shouldn't even be there anyway because they are thick as pig ****.

No.

[Smithy]

I think I agree with what Matt said before that if they needed it for travel, they should be given a bus/train pass rather than cash which isn't going to be spent on it.

But to the point is isn't a good motivator, it is, because it discourages truancy, as you don't get the cash if you don't go to school and it can be stopped if your grades arent up to scratch

[MTVN]

Per month?

Per week I'm afraid :bored:

[Lee.]

Per week I'm afraid :bored:

Bloody hell! Well to answer the OP; If I was still a schoolkid, then yes I'd want it to be kept. That would have paid for my fags for the week back in the olden days!!

However, I do agree with Shaun's post way back there ^^

[MTVN]

I think I agree with what Matt said before that if they needed it for travel, they should be given a bus/train pass rather than cash which isn't going to be spent on it.

But to the point is isn't a good motivator, it is, because it discourages truancy, as you don't get the cash if you don't go to school and it can be stopped if your grades arent up to scratch

Yeah that's true but I think it's your own personal responsibility to turn up to lessons, you shouldnt have to be essentially bribed into doing so.

[Jords]

I need more people who get it Im being outnumbered. :laugh:

Might just enjoy it a bit more if the general attitude is that its pointless and nobody needs it, makes you feel like youre just hoarding money rather than saving it for when you actually do need it *goes to the shops and buys 1 of everything*
Nah, well maybe, its not even that much just a little something, I appreciate it anyway and Smithy good point!

[Smithy]

Yeah that's true but I think it's your own personal responsibility to turn up to lessons, you shouldnt have to be essentially bribed into doing so.

I suppose, but it's going to increase the attendance of those who possibly weren't turning up prior to getting it and it'll improve their work ethic

[Stephanie]

no, i don't think it should be kept.

[Jords]

no, i don't think it should be kept.

Youre a rich bitch though!

[Stephanie]

Youre a rich bitch though!
doesn't really matter about me, i just don't think it should be kept because most people don't use it for what it's supposed to be for, and it's a waste of money imo.

[Ninastar]

doesn't really matter about me, i just don't think it should be kept because most people don't use it for what it's supposed to be for, and it's a waste of money imo.

:love:

[Novo]

I use to think EMA was great back in the day, now i spend 3x that much on a spin on the Roulette wheel

[Shaun]

when I was in sixth form and qualified for it the rules were a lot more lenient - I remember they used to give bonuses at the end of some terms (though why I have no idea), of £100. I spent it on Christmas presents...

to be fair Jords you're only doing what any sane student would do: get free money whilst you can LOL

[Smithy]

when I was in sixth form and qualified for it the rules were a lot more lenient - I remember they used to give bonuses at the end of some terms (though why I have no idea), of £100. I spent it on Christmas presents...

they still do & at birthdays

[Zippy]

But to the point is isn't a good motivator, it is, because it discourages truancy, as you don't get the cash if you don't go to school and it can be stopped if your grades arent up to scratch

you can't buy a desire for education. They should want to be there in the first place. Not just turning up and going through the motions to get their £30. It's a bollocks system.

If they need specific things then they should get vouchers for those things only. Not just cash to spend on whatever they want.

[Benjamin]

No it shouldn't be kept. Why should you be paid to stay on and learn? If you don't want to learn then don't, and vice versa. What an absolute waste of money it is. :bored:

[Jords]

doesn't really matter about me, i just don't think it should be kept because most people don't use it for what it's supposed to be for, and it's a waste of money imo.

As long as people spend it on education stuff (stationary, revision booklets/CDs etc.) and travel, and not get money from their parents to do that, then anything 'spare' from EMA I dont see the problem that they spend on theirself.

You might argue theyre given too much but theyre most likely not treat as much as those with richer parents (not always the case), so why not let them enjoy it a bit? Or save the 'spare' for when its needed/give to parents to help pay bills. Bit of all 3 even (like meh)! :D

People who get EMA will see my point, those that dont essentially dont give a **** and think we should just go get a job if we want money. Which is true, but the system does help towards important things, and we should be able to have the weekend to just chillllllllll and get work done.

It only lasts 2 years (well, did), then we all gotta go out and earn our money! 2 years of what, 80 years is nothing if you think about it. Life should be enjoyed more, too much stress in it ;/

[joeysteele]

On average kids get about £20/£30 I'd say, it varies depending on how much your parents earn and you're only eligible if they earn less than £30,00 I think(?)

You are 100% spot on MTVN, that is the breakdown of it as to entitlement for it,the only condition being that you have to stay on the course and fully attend.

[Benjamin]

What's wrong with the lazy youth of today getting a job to fund their own education? :bored:

[Vicky.]

People always bleat on saying 'get a job'. As if its as easy as going out, asking for one and starting the next day.

Believe me it is not easy to get a job right now. Unless you are in the position to be a manager or something, or something that requires qualifications/experience that you already have. And straight out of school, not many have experience in anything.

[Jords]

when I was in sixth form and qualified for it the rules were a lot more lenient - I remember they used to give bonuses at the end of some terms (though why I have no idea), of £100. I spent it on Christmas presents...

to be fair Jords you're only doing what any sane student would do: get free money whilst you can LOL

And that. :p

We dont get bonuses anymore btw.

[joeysteele]

However, its now closed to any new applicants. I could never have got it and really I am not surprised its time is up.

[Jords]

People always bleat on saying 'get a job'. As if its as easy as going out, asking for one and starting the next day.

Believe me it is not easy to get a job right now. Unless you are in the position to be a manager or something, or something that requires qualifications that you already have.

:worship:

This too, I tried last year but then gave up and decided Id rather keep my free time.

[Jords]

Any parents on here with children that get EMA? -would like to know their opinions-

[Smithy]

What's wrong with the lazy youth of today getting a job to fund their own education? :bored:

It's easy enough saying that, but it's not like there's an abundance of jobs atm

And when you're 16/17 you have to focus on A levels which pretty much set you up for life, if you're too busy with a job you're gonna over work yourself and probably flunk

[Zippy]

http://i55.tinypic.com/fkrx39.jpg

sense at last.

Jords should be forced to give the money back!

[Jords]

http://i55.tinypic.com/fkrx39.jpg

sense at last.

Does this mean I will get it next year and be like, the last year group to get it?
Or just til the end of this school year?

[Benjamin]

It's easy enough saying that, but it's not like there's an abundance of jobs atm

And when you're 16/17 you have to focus on A levels which pretty much set you up for life, if you're too busy with a job you're gonna over work yourself and probably flunk

That last part is not true, I worked 2 jobs and still passed my A Levels.

And there are always jobs with cafe's, McDonalds, cleaning jobs. People are just too fussy in this day and age as to what they do.

[Jords]

Jords should be forced to give the money back!

:bawling:

[Smithy]

Y'all should go type EMA into google and click on News :p

[Zippy]

Does this mean I will get it next year and be like, the last year group to get it?
Or just til the end of this school year?

Forget next year, greedynuts,

but I think you still get it until end of this school year.

[Jords]

Forget next year, greedynuts,

but I think you still get it until end of this school year.

:bawling:

:dance:

[Ninastar]

Don't worry jords, your not greedy, like shaun said, anyone would take it

[MTVN]

As long as people spend it on education stuff (stationary, revision booklets/CDs etc.) and travel, and not get money from their parents to do that, then anything 'spare' from EMA I dont see the problem that they spend on theirself.

You might argue theyre given too much but theyre most likely not treat as much as those with richer parents (not always the case), so why not let them enjoy it a bit? Or save the 'spare' for when its needed/give to parents to help pay bills. Bit of all 3 even (like meh)! :D

People who get EMA will see my point, those that dont essentially dont give a **** and think we should just go get a job if we want money. Which is true, but the system does help towards important things, and we should be able to have the weekend to just chillllllllll and get work done.

It only lasts 2 years (well, did), then we all gotta go out and earn our money! 2 years of what, 80 years is nothing if you think about it. Life should be enjoyed more, too much stress in it ;/

It's all well for you to say that but you're forgetting how it's all funded. It's the taxpayer who is paying for it all, they shouldnt be giving you money so that you can spend it on yourself.

I know you use it for your education as well btw, but I dont agree that people should be entitled to it so that they can have a more relaxing weekend

[Vicky.]

That last part is not true, I worked 2 jobs and still passed my A Levels.

And there are always jobs with cafe's, McDonalds, cleaning jobs. People are just too fussy in this day and age as to what they do.
Also not true.

Last year when I was looking for a steady job...I applied at all fast food restaurants etc. Sent off numerous cleaning job applications...mcdonalds werent taking any staff on(except managers/supervisers), in newcastle or durham. No KFCs in the area were either. I spent about 2 months looking every day...and nothing.

I am so glad I had my job for in the meantime, so it didnt bother me too much. But people always assume its piss easy to get a job, when it isnt.

[Jords]

Don't worry jords, your not greedy, like shaun said, anyone would take it

Sorry if I seemed snappy at you btw Caitlin. :love:


Oh, it also repays all that money spent on 'smart dress' clothes and goes towards needing new ones.

[Ninastar]

Sorry if I seemed snappy at you btw Caitlin. :love:


Oh, it also repays all that money spent on 'smart dress' clothes and goes towards needing new ones.

same to you :kiss:

[Locke.]

Yeah it should stay... was the main reason I went to college.

And weekends would have been boring without it.

[Beastie]

No.

In my experience absolutely noone used the EMA for its intended purpose - books, travel, stationery - but instead spent it on lunch, going out at the weekend etc.

Besides, with the age of compulsory education raising to 18 this year, it's entirely pointless - it would cost the government billions.

A good reason why EMA should be scrapped then when this happens.
I agree that some people do need EMA. It is hard to find a job. I think it will be a good idea that Education is compulsory to the age of 18. At 16 it is hard to find a full time job. If you are in compulsory education up to the age of 18 then you can still have a part time job at the weekend. I do hope each student is taken care of individually when the compulsory education rises to the age of 18. Because I don't agree forcing every student to do A levels. After GCSE's the ones who want to do A levels can. However some students don't want to or not clever enough. Therefore I hope there are plenty of apprentices available and any particular training courses to do for a particular job! Or of course there are BTEC courses available.. anything!

This will be a good thing. Instead of kids living school at 16, some drop out of college after the first few weeks.. feel like they have nothing to do.. then when the compulsory education is up to 18 years old, children will have guidance from teachers for an extra 2 years!

However this may freak me out too. I mean when I left school at 16 I was glad. Glad to move on and get out of the school. Does this compulsory education mean that you have to stay at the school? Like there will be a year 12 and 13 at school? << Well they have this at sixth form but like I said.. not every student should be forced to pursue academic A levels!

[Beastie]

I got EMA. I spent the money on trips I went with college and on books. I drove to college so the money went to the cost of my petrol too. I was there at 18/19 so I couldn't get a free bus pass then! It went to good use. I save my money. I always have a bit in the bank. I have never been in debt or had an overdraft. I come from a working/middle class type family. I was brought up to handle my money right that is why I am never short of it. Suppose I can be a bit tight though. However I don't like spending money on stuff I don't need or want. Like drinking alcohol.. buying it does not appeal to me. It would cost me a lot if I was on the piss up every weekend.

[Judas]

Not really - why not provide them with free bus passes, it's just as much use as providing some for the 'biddies', put the funding into improving libraries to hold books relevant to many 16-18 students, and increase course funding. Maybe for those students that would of got it, but it into some kind of access account to deduct from their tuition fees. That way, that injustice is slightly less horrible.

I got EMA and I rarely spent it on what it was needed for. If you cut it you wont get so many irresponsible 16 year old twats, of what I was, getting pissed out their trolley aswell... win win... kerching.

[xDramatick]

Eh, I reckon it should be removed.
I recieved £30 a week for both my years at college, and I'll admit, I spent almost every week's payment on nights out drinking or on lunch. I didn't NEED it for college, I was just entitled to it, and spent it the same way as everyone else did. None of my friends, nor anyone I know, spent it appropriately.

Looking back, I'd rather have got a job.
Every single one of my friends had a job (even the ones that received EMA) and I waited until I'd finished College, and they always had more money than I did.

[Shasown]

Take it off them.

My two eldest kids got it when they went into higher education and didnt really need it. The local authority provides bus passes for Technical College students and those still at school till 18.

As for people supposing to save it up and buy laptops etc, when they finish thier education will they donate the laptop to the school, bet anything not many do.

16-18 is the transition period from childhood into adulthood, kids need to learn not to rely on benefits but to work for things they want/need. They also need to learn to appreciate those little luxuries in life that are handed to them on a plate. Life can be hard, lets not spoil and pamper the little bastards.

[james130]

I think everyone should get the same amount and it shouldn't exceed £10 or should be scrapped.
Some of my mates get £30 a week and every saturday buy clothes and go up to the local bar.
Education Maintenance? I think not.
£10 a week is more than enough for things like books and stationary. My parents are just over the limit so I don't get Ema but that doesn't mean I get money off them. I get £5 a week and that's it.
Plus the idea of it making people who come from poorer backgrounds drop out of college is stupid. Surely if they come from a poorer background they'd want a decent job? And isn't it wrong of the govt. to sterotype people from less privelaged backgrounds and assume that they're "less willing to learn"?

[arista]

Its Gone
for good now