The EMA is being restructured to increase the focus on direct support to parents. Prep and Year 7 students will also receive a higher EMA payment.

The changes to the EMA starting in 2013 include:

• EMA payments to parents increased from:
  • $117.50 to $200 for parents of eligible Prep students
  • $117.50 to $150 for parents of all other eligible primary school students
  • $235 to $300 for parents of eligible Year 7 students
  • $235 to $250 for parents of all other eligible secondary school students up to the age of 16.
• school-based EMA payments will be discontinued ($117.50 per primary school student; $235.00 per secondary school student)

Changes to the EMA will be effective from the start of the 2013 school year.

The EMA is paid in two instalments annually (70% in March and 30% in August). The August 2012 payments will not be affected by the changes.

These changes apply to government and non- government schools.

Eligibility

The EMA provides financial assistance to families on a low income to help with the cost of essential educational items such as textbooks, stationery, uniforms and excursions.

EMA is a means-tested payment - parents must hold a Centrelink/Veterans Affairs concession card to be eligible.

Further information

For more information about the changes to the EMA in 2013 please call 1800 060 970