Education maintenance allowance (EMA) delayed

I’ve applied for EMA in December and filled in the online application, they stated my application was through to the next stage and they’d be making attendance checks and all applications would be processed by June. I waited till the end of June and got no response so I emailed them and they told me they’re still processing my application and were sorry for the delay. My friend applied for the same thing and she emailed then in July and they instantly gave her an email saying she would receive it in 2 weeks and was awarded £600 within a week. I emailed them again and they told me they were still processing a month later. I’m starting to think I won’t receive it at all, I’ve had good attendance and i’m on benefits and whatnot so do I continue waiting or contact my school regarding this to see if they know why it’s been ‘processing’ for 7 months.