An Introduction to Enhanced Learning Credits

Enhanced Learning Credits are an MoD allowance, under which individuals join the scheme, complete some years of service and then draw down cash to support approved learning.

Joining

Joiners must be in the Armed Forces, and forms can be obtained from education staffs, learning and education centres, and the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk. All recruits can register during their first year of service, with a further registration window between the eight- and the eight-and-a-half-year point. Registration date in the first 12 months will be the actual date the form is submitted. Registration date in the post-eight-year window will be the dated from the eight-year service point. People at or past their eight-and-a-half-year point on 31 March 2004 who did not register cannot now join the scheme.

People already serving at 1 April 2003 who registered by 1 April 2004 will have their eligible service reckoned from 1 April 2000 or their date of enlistment, whichever is the later. People who joined on or after 1 April 2003 and joined the scheme during their first year of service will have their eligible service reckoned from their date of enlistment. No service before 1 April 2000 can be taken into account.

Length of service required

Before being allowed to make an ELC claim at the lower level (currently up to £1,000), an individual must have at least four years’ service. Before being allowed a claim at the higher rate (currently up to £2,000), they must have completed eight years’ service.

This service period must be complete before starting the learning for which ELCs will be claimed, and the latest date for making a claim is ten years after leaving the Services.

ELC awards

ELCs may be claimed for a maximum of three separate years, which do not have to run consecutively, and may also be a combination of both higher and lower levels. They may also be claimed for the same learning course if it continues for over a year or for different learning purposes for each year. If one course combines with others for a single learning purpose they can be combined to claim ELCs.

Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March). Individuals must make a contribution to their learning of at least 20% of the cost. The ELC element includes VAT but excludes travel, accommodation, food, books and materials.

The learning purpose must benefit the Service and advance the individual’s development plans. Claimants must plan their personal development, often best demonstrated through a Personal Development Record. At present, no other funding – except Open University summer school/residential sponsorship fees and, under certain circumstances, Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) – may be claimed for the same learning course. (However, the MoD is currently assessing ways in which ELCs, IRTC and Standard Learning Credits might be used together in the future.)

Learning must be cost-effective and authorised, and the provider must be an Approved Provider. Documentary proof that learning has taken place will be needed for claims.

Tax

Most work-related learning undertaken during service will not be treated as income or a taxable benefit. People using ELCs after they leave the Service should take advice from the Inland Revenue, but they are likely to be taxed.

Advice

Before deciding on learning, people should consider:

• its relevance to their personal development plan
• their ability to undertake the course
• likely disruptions from service requirements
• the flexibility of the study method.

Individuals must discuss their plans with their line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment.

Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/Service activities will usually result in no further claims being allowed. If unexpected Service or compassionate reasons cause withdrawal, ELCs may be carried forward for two years or a refund may be possible and an extra ELC authorised. The cancellation and reinstatement process is published in the DIN, AND is supplemented by detailed guidance from an individual’s single-Service education authority.

Learning purposes

ELCs are available for full-time or part-time study for a Level 3 or above qualification as defined in ‘British Qualifications’, with an organisation on the Approved Providers List held by ELCAS. This might include:

• Foundation Degrees
• postgraduate qualifications
• other academic qualifications
• professional self-development
• accreditation of prior learning
• vocational training
• registration and accreditation fees
• sports qualifications
• overseas qualifications
• resettlement training (during last two years of service only).

ELCs may not be claimed for:

• Service training
• civilian accredited Service training (unless at least 30 hours extra work is involved, together with a separate exam, assessment or assignment)
• membership fees
• books and materials
• normal Service sport and adventurous training.

In a full career, most Service people can now draw down getting on for £10,000 of funding for their personal development. If used sensibly this can benefit career prospects during both their Service career and the one that follows it. This should be too good an offer for anyone to turn down.