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How to claim Enhanced Learning Credits after leaving the Armed Forces: check your expiry date, apply online and find your current Service contact.

Last reviewed: 17 October 2026. Checked against current ELCAS guidance and JSP 822, Volume 9 (November 2025).

You may still be able to use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) after leaving the Armed Forces. Before booking training, confirm your remaining awards, qualifying service and expiry date with your Single Service Representative (SSR).

Check your claim window

For personnel who left on or after 1 April 2016, the normal entitlement period is five years after discharge. Your course must start before the expiry date. Unused awards do not extend it.

The ordinary ten-year windows for those who left before April 2016 have now elapsed. A separate ten-year period can apply to qualifying veterans medically discharged on or after 1 April 2011 who receive a War Pension Scheme disablement pension or an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Guaranteed Income Payment. Ask your SSR to assess your circumstances; the extension does not cover every medical discharge. See the official policy update.

Make your claim online

1. Arrange account access. Contact your SSR to confirm eligibility and obtain access to the ELC Members' Area. ELCAS cannot authorise your account.
2. Choose approved learning. Check that your specific course and its provider are approved on the ELCAS listing. Discuss the fees, start date and contribution before committing.
3. Prepare your evidence. Supply proof of your leaving date, such as a discharge document or P45; a utility bill showing your home address; and full course information, including the relevant registration and start dates. Provide any additional evidence your SSR requests.
4. Submit for approval in good time. Use the online Members' Area and submit to your SSR at least 15 clear working days before the course starts. Allow extra time for queries and follow any earlier registration deadline. Paper claims are for authorised exceptions; do not post correspondence to ELCAS.
5. Wait for your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN). Download it from your account and present it to the named provider before starting. Arrange your contribution and booking in line with the approved claim.

Retrospective ELC claims are not permitted. Do not start learning without the CAN or pay the full fee expecting reimbursement later. Ordinary ELC normally covers up to 80% of eligible fees within your award cap; you pay the remaining balance.

After your course, or if plans change

Complete the course evaluation in your member account and retain evidence of completion. Outstanding evaluations or missing evidence can prevent a further claim.

If dates, provider or course details change, or you need to withdraw, contact your SSR before taking action. Follow the amendment, cancellation or reinstatement procedure. Reinstatement is not automatic and depends on the circumstances.

Find your current SSR

Use the official service-leaver guidance and SSR directory for Royal Navy/Royal Marines, Army and RAF contacts. Include your Service number and discharge date when seeking help. These contacts are for veterans: serving personnel, including those in resettlement, should use their education staff.

Other support and further information

You may also qualify for the separate Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme, subject to its first-qualification and other eligibility rules.

Read our ELC eligibility guide, the official FAQs and JSP 822, Volume 9 before applying.