Q : When can I start claiming ELCs?

A: If you have registered on the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme and have been serving since 1 April 2000, you can start claiming at the £1,000 level from 1 April 2004.

Q : : 2007DIN06-38 states the course must be of a Level 3 or above. What does Level 3 mean?

A: That the course is on the National Qualifications Framework at this level; it could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3. You may also use ELCs to fund anything above this, like university modules or nationally recognised diplomas.

Q : How do I know if the course I want to do is Level 3 or above?

A: For some courses, this will be very obvious. The qualifications offered by institutes, and some specialist courses, may not be so clear. You should ask the training provider to confirm the level with the awarding body that accredits the course. Most qualifications can be found in the British Qualifications Directory or on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications website at www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk.

Q : Can I use ELC for any course?

A: No. If you are still serving, the course must be Level 3 or above, and it must be with an approved provider listed on the dedicated ELC website. The website address is www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk. The course must also be of benefit to the Service, to meet tax office guidelines.

Q : What does the DIN mean by 'vocational courses'?

A: These are courses that are job or skill specific, like NVQs that have to be completed in the workplace or through a college with work placements. You are assessed on the job and build up a portfolio of evidence showing that you are competent in the role. Often, they can be very hands-on courses, like plumbing, welding, heating and ventilating courses, which lead to the qualifications required for very specific trades.

Q : Can I use ELC for a sports course?

A: If you are planning on taking an instructor or coaching course, it could be permissible but, if the course can be taken through local tri-Service arrangements, it will not be allowed. You would also have to present evidence as to how you would use the sports qualification to the benefit of the Service and how you are currently involved in that sport. The training provider would need to be on the approved list of providers (see below).

Q : What do you mean by resettlement phase?

A: After an individual has completed MoD Form 1173.

Q : Why does learning have to be ‘of benefit’ to the Service?

A: The Inland Revenue rules are that any money provided for personal development has to be of immediate benefit to the Armed Forces and the individual, or the MoD would be liable for tax.

Q : : If I do a module for £450 can I use the rest of my £1,000 later in the same financial year for a different course?

A: No. ELC is a 'one-hit' claim per year.

Q : : Can I use Standard Learning Credits in the same financial year that I use ELCs?

A: Yes, if it is not for the same course of study.

Q : Where can I find the list of approved training providers?

A: You can search the ELCAS website by name to see if the provider has already been approved. You can also check through the whole list.

Q : If a company is on the approved training provider list, can I do any of its courses?

A: No, only the courses that meet the criteria in 2007DIN06-38 - at Level 3 and above.

Q : : If I leave the Service before 1 April 2008 and have not used my ELCs, will I be able to claim £1,000 per year or £2,000?

A: It would remain at the £1,000 level. You must accumulate eight years of qualifying service before being eligible for the higher tier of ELC. This can only be achieved while serving.

Q : Can I secure my place on a course and pay a deposit before starting the claims process?

A: You should not part with any money without approval from your education staff, or a letter from ELCAS giving you a 'Claim Authorisation Note'.

Q : : I am working in an overseas location that has no education staff anywhere near it. Who can I get to authorise my claim?

A: Each single Service has made arrangements to help people serving overseas who do not have the normal education facilities available. Your unit administrative staff will have the necessary details.

Q : I am not going to be able to see my education staff face to face as I am on an operational tour. What can I do?

A: You should telephone your usual education/learning centre to discuss your position.

Q : Can I get my line manager or unit staff to authorise my claim?

A: No. Line managers and unit staff are eligible to sign registration forms and they must also sign claim forms. Final authorisation must be given by an education officer whose name is on the ELCAS database. If in doubt, check at your education centre.

Q : What do I need to take with me when I go to see the education/learning staff?

A: All the information about the course you wish to study. Also take a training and development plan (from your PDR) and a claim form signed by your line manager.

Q : Do I pay up front and claim the money back?

A: No. Refer to the flow chart on the back of 2007DIN06-38. ELCs pay up to 80 per cent of course costs to a maximum of £1,000. The individual pays the rest up front, but only once they have a Claim Authorisation Note from ELCAS.

Q : When I have left the Service, who do I contact for a claim form?

A: Refer to the website for a claim form. Claims will be authorised by single Services.

Q : What will happen if I get deployed during my course and I can't continue with it?

A: You need to inform ELCAS as soon as possible. You must get a letter from your line manager explaining why you cannot continue, and forward this to ELCAS at the time of withdrawal.

Q : When I want to take a course, do I have to discuss it with my line manager?

A: Yes, you need to be supported by your line manager. They will be best placed to know if work commitments are likely to allow that level of study. A good time to discuss this is during your appraisal, when drawing up your training and development plan. You also need their signature on the claim form before an interview with education staff.

Q : My location and discharge date have changed since I registered for ELCs. Do I need to contact ELCAS to inform them?

A: No. They can make changes to your details when you make a claim. You do, however, need to inform them if you leave the Service and later rejoin. You can get a form from the website to record periods of interrupted service.

Q : I have not yet received confirmation of acceptance from ELCAS that I am registered. What should I do?

A: Telephone the ELCAS helpline on 0845 300 5179, and give your name and service number to confirm if you are registered.

Q : Can I use my Individual Resettlement Training Costs and ELCs to fund the same course of study?

A: No, but you can use resettlement time, and fund the course of study if it meets the DCI criteria in 2007DIN06-38, using ELC money if you wish.

Q : Can I use SLCs to pay for an exam relating to the course of study being funded by ELC?

A: No.

Q : What happens if I am made redundant?

A: No one is entitled to an ELC, you become eligible to claim an ELC by meeting several criteria including length of qualifying service. People made redundant, irrespective of whether they have registered an interest or not in being made redundant, and who have registered with the ELC scheme, will cease to accrue service for ELC eligibility on the day they leave service. Those who have accrued four or more years' service since registering on the ELC scheme by the last day of service will be eligible to claim ELC at the lower tier (£1,000) subject to meeting the other conditions associated with the ELC scheme. Moreover, that rate can be claimed for up to 10 years after termination of service. People made redundant before 31 March 2008 cannot accrue the minimum service required from the initial registration window to be eligible for the higher-tier rate. People who have accrued less than four years' service by the final date of service will not be eligible for ELC funding as they will not have achieved sufficient length of qualifying service.