The Education Maintenance Allowance is paid in two instalments throughout the year; the first instalment from March onwards and the second instalment from August onwards.
Half of the payment is paid to the school and half to the parent or guardian.
In 2009 parents will have the option to EMA instalments paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into a bank account.
28 January 2009 – Eligibility date for the 1st instalment EMA payment
27 February 2009 - Parent EMA application submissions close.
10 March 2009 - First scheduled EMA payment run date - 1st instalment.
Mid March 2009 - Approximate date that parents choosing the EFT payment option will receive the 1st instalment EMA payment into their bank account
Late March 2009 - 1st instalment EMA cheques expected to arrive at schools.
EMA link:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/lifeatschool/ema/default.htm