choices

Financial issues

Here are a few contacts that could help you:

16 to 19 Bursary

EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) closed to new applicants in England from January 2011.

From September 2011 EMA will be replaced with a new bursary scheme.

If you are 16-19 and are:

• in care
• a care leaver
• receive income support
• receive Employment Support Allowance as well as Disability Living Allowance

you will be eligible for a bursary of £1,200.

Other students who are facing financial difficulties will be able to apply to their school, college or training provider for a bursary. The school,college or provider will decide on the amount paid, when it will be paid and the conditions that will need to be met to be eligible to receive a bursary.

Some students who currently receive EMA will be entitled to receive payments in 2011/2012. See the Directgov 16-19 Bursary website for more information.

If you have a questions about the closure of  EMA call the learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.

Higher Education

To find out more about  the costs of going into higher education visit the Student Finance section of Directgov.

Child Benefit

If you have a query about child benefit contact 0845 3021444.

School Transport

If you have a question about school transport contact the the Network Officer Team, Integrated Transport Unit, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF. Email post16transport@northumberland.gov.uk, telephone 0845 6400. Information can also be downloaded from the Northumberland County Council website www.northumberland.gov.uk.