More Newport Learners Now Entitled to Weekly £40 Education Support

More Newport Learners Now Entitled to Weekly £40 Education Support 

Jayne Bryant MS, Member of the Senedd for Newport West, is encouraging local learners aged 16–18 to check whether they’re eligible for financial support through the expanded Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme, following changes announced by the Welsh Labour Government. 

The EMA provides £40 a week to help with education-related costs such as transport, meals, or study supplies. 

This year, more learners than ever in Wales can benefit, as income thresholds have been raised. Now, households with one dependent child are eligible if their annual income is £23,400 or less, while households with two or more dependent children qualify if their income is £25,974 or less. 

Jayne Bryant MS said: “EMA applications for 2025–26 are now open. I’m really proud of the Welsh EMA offer which, at £40 a week, is the most generous in the UK.” 

“Everybody deserves equal opportunities to access education, and providing this regular financial support is a tangible way the Welsh Labour Government is delivering that commitment.”

“Since 2020, around 3,000 learners in Newport have claimed EMA. These positive changes to the eligibility thresholds mean even more young people will be able to access this support from September.” 

“I would encourage all 16–18 year olds and their families to check if they’re eligible—even if they haven’t qualified in previous years.” 

You can check your eligibility and apply online for EMA through the Student Finance Wales website. 

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding/education-maintenance-allowance/