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The ELC claims process
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). 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 and is at Level 3. You may need proof that the qualification is on the NQF to send in with your claim, particularly if the course you are undertaking is unusual.
Seriously consider if 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. Currently, ex-Service personnel are entitled to £1,000 per financial year towards course fees (three claims in total for up to 10 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:
- proof of last day of service
- information about the course, including proof of level of qualification
- photocopy of a utility bill, showing home address
- photocopy of driving licence or passport (showing photo)
- telephone number (daytime).
If your claim is eligible, it will be forwarded to ELCAS, who will check you are registered for the ELC scheme and are eligible. ELCAS will return a CAN to your single-Service education 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 per cent 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.
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 the single-Service education representative below for advice before proceeding with your claim.
Where to send claims if you are no longer serving
Royal Navy: NTE(ER2), DNTE, Room 008, Victory Building, HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LS Tel: 02393 720092
Army: EO LF Accred Ops, HQ DETS(A), Trenchard Lines, Upavon, Pewsey, Wilts SN9 6BE Tel: 01980 618728/9
RAF: Sqn Ldr Learning Forces, Room S84, HQ PTC, RAF Innsworth, Gloucester GL3 1EZ Tel: 01452 712612 ext 5523
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