Should EMA be kept?
 

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).

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

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

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

If its needed then go get a job hehehehe

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

Edit: hehehehe

mkay, let me just get my book of jobs out

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

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

Hasn't it been scrapped?

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.

I take it you dont get it? :tongue:

What do you spend it on though?

Surprisingly your right.

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

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

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 -.-

yeah I spotted the contradiction.

Hang about! Do schoolkids get money these days?

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.

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

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

I agree with this

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(?)

At Uni you have to get loans :p

Per month?

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

sounds fun! :D

Nope. Stupid system.

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 ****.

No.

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

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 ^^

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 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!

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