What should I do if Iā€™m absent?

If you are absent for any reason you must notify your school/activity agreement worker as soon as possible with the reasons why. This must usually be submitted in writing.

You can do this by fully completing and signing the self certification form. Otherwise you can submit a parental letter explaining the reason for your absence. You should do this within the first 3 days of going back to school/activity agreement programme.

Will I be paid if Iā€™m absent?

You can use a self certification form or parental letter for up to 5 days' sickness absence between August and December and again between January and June.

If there seems to be a pattern of absence, your school/activity agreement worker can ask you for more information before deciding whether to pay your EMA. If your school/activity agreement worker does not believe your sickness absence was genuine they can withhold your payment.

More information regarding absences can be found in the EMA Handbook.

What if I disagree with a decision made regarding my attendance?

If your school/activity agreement worker has decided not to pay you for any reason and you disagree with that decision, you must first contact them to resolve this. They may need more information from you, such as a doctor's letter, before they can agree to pay you.

If the issue has not been resolved and you have shared all relevant information with them, you may be able to appeal.

More information regarding absences can be found in the EMA Handbook.