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 which is the awarding body that accredits their course, then contact the awarding body to get confirmation that the qualification is recognised on the NQF/QCF and is at least 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 level of study involved with 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 for any reason. Some will give refunds, others will not.
Do not pay any money to the provider without having received your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) (see below for details on how to obtain this).
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 of Service, or £2,000 if they completed eight or more years of 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:
- Proof of last day of service
- Information about the course, including proof of level of qualification
- A photocopy of a utility bill, showing home address
- A photocopy of your driving licence or passport (showing photo)
- Your telephone number (daytime)
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 can take 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 Defence Business Services 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 TA EL3R RESET SO3C, Floor 3, Leach Building, Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8BY Tel: 02392 625954, email: fleet-fost-tael3rresetso3c@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: ELC Manager, DETS (A), Ramilles Building, Marlborough Lines, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8HJ Tel: 07770 418788, email: elc@detsa.co.uk Those personnel still serving in the Army are not to use this point of contact but are to consult staff in their Army Education Centre.
Royal Air Force: Learning Credits Administrator, Room 227, Trenchard Hall, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 8HB. Tel: 01400 268182, email: 22trggp-tp-accred-so3@mod.uk Those personnel still serving in the Royal Air Force are to consult the staff in their local Learning Centre.