TEENAGERS aged between 16 and 19 could be entitled to a £30 weekly payment.

Education maintenance allowance (EMA) is a means-tested award providing financial support to eligible 16-19-year-olds who want to continue learning.

It also applies to those in home education.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, East Lothian Council cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, said: “Education maintenance allowance can be a vital support to help young people stay in education or an activity agreement between 16 and 19 years old.

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to find out more and benefit from this additional payment.”

Students who turned 16 on or after October 1 last year can now apply.

They should apply before March 31 to receive the allowance during the current academic year.

Any applications received between March 1 and March 31 will not be backdated; payments will be made from the date the application is received.

Applications received after March 31 will not be processed and EMA will not be paid.

Find out more and apply online at eastlothian.gov.uk/ema or call 01620 827562.