Always refer to the ELCAS website (www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk) or single-Service websites for the latest information about the ELC scheme. Check that the learning provider is an approved MoD ELC provider by searching the list on the ELCAS site.

 

The current scheme membership of learning providers offers a good geographic spread across the UK, and a range of qualifying academic and vocational courses across a wide and diverse skills spectrum. Claimants are encouraged to use existing providers. There is no guarantee that a new provider will be accepted on to the scheme, especially if there is already sufficient existing provision. A key aim of the MoD is to keep provider membership within manageable limits.

Ensure that the course you wish to undertake results in a qualification at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), or equivalent. To do this, ask the learning provider who the awarding body is that accredits the course. Contact the awarding body to get confirmation that the qualification is recognised on the NQF/QCF and is at level 3. You may need proof that the qualification is on the NQF/QCF to send in with your claim, particularly if the course you are undertaking is unusual.

Seriously consider whether you can cope with the study level of the course you wish to undertake. Have you got the time? Be aware of the learning provider’s policy if you do have to withdraw from the course. Some will give refunds; others will not.

Do not part with any money to the provider without full authorisation of your claim through having received your claim authorisation note (CAN) (see below). Ensure that you make a claim at least one month before you need to make any payment for the course. Be aware that no training you have already completed or paid for can be claimed back under the ELC scheme retrospectively. Ex-Service personnel who registered on the ELC scheme while serving may claim up to £1,000 per financial year towards course fees if they completed four years’ Service or £2,000 if they completed eight or more years’ Service. Three claims may be made in total (including any made while still serving). Claims may be made for up to ten years from last day of service.

To make a claim, download the form from the ELCAS website and fully complete it, except for Parts 4 and 5 – staff in the single Services will complete these elements. Then send the fully completed claim form to the relevant address, with:

If your claim is eligible, it will be forwarded to ELCAS, which will check you are registered for the ELC scheme and are eligible. ELCAS will return a CAN to your single-Service education/learning staff, with an evaluation form. They will in turn forward them to your home address. This process takes around two weeks.

On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed with payment by sending your CAN with your 20% minimum contribution to the training provider. The CAN enables the training provider to invoice the Defence Bills Agency for the rest of the fees up a total of £1,000/£2,000, as appropriate.

When you have completed your course, you must also complete the evaluation form and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it could jeopardise your next claim. If you have any doubts about any aspect of this process, contact your single-Service education/learning representative for advice before submitting the claim.

Where to send claims if you are no longer serving

 

Royal Navy: FLEET-FOST-TE EL3R RESET SO3C, Floor 3, Leach Building, Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8BY Tel: 02392 625954, email: FLEET-FOST-TEEL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
Those personnel still serving in the Royal Navy are not to use this point of contact but are to consult the staff in their local RN Education Centre.

 

Army: ETS2 SO3 ELC Manager, DETS (A), Ramilles Building, Marlborough Lines, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8HJ Tel: 01264 381592 or 01264 381644 (after 2pm), email: elc@detsa.co.uk

 

Royal Air Force: Learning Credits Administrator, Room 24, Air 22 Training Group Learning Forces, Building 28, Hunter Block, RAF High Wycombe, Naphill, Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE Tel: 01494 495957 or 495603, email: 22TrgGp-LrngCreditsAdmin@mod.uk
CNLIS are encouraged to refer to the area on the Learning Forces website entitled ‘Using your Enhanced Learning Credit after you leave the RAF’. Those personnel still serving in the Royal Air Force are to consult the staff in their local Learning Centre.

 

 

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