ELCAS funding for our distance learning courses.

All of our Distance Learning Diplomas are funded by ELCAS to military personnel and receive accreditation of prior learning from the University of Portsmouth.

The great thing about Distance learning – especially for those in the Armed Forces, who may be posted anywhere in the world – is that it puts you in control of your education.

For full information about ELC go to www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is your ELCAS number?

1829

When can I start claiming ELC?

If you have registered on the enhanced leaning credits (ELC) scheme and have been serving since 1 April 2000 you have been entitled to start claiming at the £1,000 level from Aril 2004 and at £2,000 level from 1 April 2008. In all other cases, registered personnel may make claims at the £1,000 level four years after enlistment and at the £2,000 level eight years after enlistment.

Joint Service Publication 898 Part 4, Chapter 3, states that the course must be of a level 3 or above. What does level 3 mean?

That the course is on the National Qualifications Framework at this level, it could be an A level, or an NVQ 3 or equivalent award. You may also use ELC to fund anything above this, like University modules or nationally recognised diplomas.

How do I know if the course I want to do is level 3 or above?

The Maritime Training Academy Diplomas and The Corrodere Diploma are level 3 and above. Our short courses are not funded by ELCAS.

Can I use ELC for any course?

No, if you are still serving, the course must be at level 3 or above, and it must be with an approved provider listed on the dedicated ELC website. www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk

What do you mean by resettlement phase?

After an individual has completed an MoD Form 1173.

Can I use Standard Learning Credits in the same financial year that I use ELC?

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

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

As a general rule, you should not part with any money without approval from ELCAS giving you a ‘claim authorisation note’. If a deposit is required on booking, any payment made prior to the issue of a claim authorisation note is at your personal risk and must not exceed the limit of your personal contribution.

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

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.

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

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

When I left the service, who do I contact for a claim form?

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

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

You need to inform ELAS 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.

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

Telephone the ELCAS helpline on 0845 3005179, and give your name and service number to confirm if you are registered.

Can I use my Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) and ELC to fund the same course of study leading to achievement of a nationally recognised qualification?

Yes. The policy has changed.

Do I need to make a 20% minimum personal contribution towards the cost of the qualification course during resettlement if I am using IRTC with SLC/ELC to fund the same activity?

In the first instance yes, because you are required to submit a claim in accordance with the current ELC regulations. You may subsequently submit an IRTC claim in accordance with resettlement policy to claim your IRTC grant in full or part to help pay towards the cost of the higher level learning.

What happens if I am made redundant?

No one is entitled to ELC. You become eligible to claim ELC by meeting several criteria, including length of qualification 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 the 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 rate, and those who have accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the ELC scheme by the last day of service will be eligible to claim ELC at the higher tier. Moreover, that rate can be claimed for up to ten years after termination of service.

What happens if I am medically discharged?

Those who are medically discharged and are registered members of the scheme are eligible to claim ELC at the lower or higher rate, as dictated by their length of service on the date of discharge.  Additionally, those who are medically discharged prior to completing four years of service may be eligible to make claims at the lower tier rate if the injury or illness was caused of significantly worsened, wholly or predominantly by service.