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Date: September 16, 2026
Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
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Reduce the cost of adult care training for your team
The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a government-funded scheme that allows eligible adult social care employers in England to claim back the cost of approved training and qualifications for their staff.
For eligible adult care diplomas, this could mean reclaiming up to the full cost of the qualification, subject to the scheme’s eligibility criteria, reimbursement limits and available funding.
tend offers a range of adult care diplomas that are eligible for LDSS funding, giving employers the opportunity to invest in their workforce while reducing the overall cost of training.
Important: LDSS funding is a reimbursement scheme. Employers pay for the qualification first and then submit a claim through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Reimbursement is not guaranteed, as the scheme has a limited funding pot.
Which tend adult care diplomas are eligible?
| Qualification | Price before savings | Maximum LDSS reimbursement | Potential cost after reimbursement* | Diploma Duration |
| Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate | £1,540 + VAT | £1,540 | £0 | 6 Months |
| Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care | £825 + VAT | Not eligible | £825 + VAT | 6 Months |
| Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care | £835 + VAT | £835 | £0 | 9 Months |
| Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care | £1,100 + VAT | £1,100 | £0 | 12 Months |
| Level 5 Diploma in Leading & Managing an Adult Care Service | £1,565 + VAT | £1,565 | £0 | 12 Months |
All of the eligible qualifications listed above are awarded by TQUK.
*Figures are based on the current maximum LDSS reimbursement rates and assume the employer and learner meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements, the full eligible cost is evidenced and the claim is approved. Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funding and the current government guidance.
How does LDSS funding work?
LDSS is designed to reimburse eligible adult social care employers for the cost of approved training and qualifications.
For eligible qualifications, the reimbursement is split into two claims:
Once the qualification has been paid for and the learner has started, the employer can submit the 60% claim.
This claim must be submitted within three months of the qualification being paid for and started, whichever is later.
Once the learner has completed the qualification, the employer can submit the remaining 40% claim.
This must be submitted within three months of the qualification being completed.
The 60% claim must be approved before the 40% completion claim can be submitted.
What do employers need to do?
To access LDSS funding, employers need to:
Make sure your organisation and the member of staff meet the LDSS eligibility requirements.
Employers need an account with the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) and must keep their workforce information up to date.
The LDSS claims service is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Employers need to complete the onboarding process before submitting claims.
Once you’ve selected an eligible qualification, tend can support you with the enrolment process and provide the relevant training and qualification.
You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim, including evidence of payment, the qualification and learner details, and evidence that the qualification has been started or completed.
Remember that the three-month claims windows apply to both the 60% and 40% parts of an eligible qualification.
Who can LDSS support?
The scheme is available to eligible adult social care employers in England and can support training for non-regulated members of the adult social care workforce.
This includes roles such as:
- Adult social care staff
- Deputy managers
- CQC-registered managers
- Eligible agency staff
There are specific eligibility requirements, so employers should check the latest government guidance before making a claim.
What isn’t covered?
It’s important to remember that not every adult social care qualification is eligible for LDSS funding.
For example, the Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care is not currently eligible for LDSS funding, whereas the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate and the eligible Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications listed above are.
LDSS funding also does not apply where the qualification is being undertaken as part of an apprenticeship.
The government maintains the official list of eligible training courses and qualifications, so employers should check this before paying for training.
Why invest in adult care qualifications?
Adult care qualifications can help your team develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, person-centred care while supporting career development and progression within your organisation.
With LDSS funding available for eligible qualifications, employers can make their training budget go further while supporting staff to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
Whether you’re developing experienced care workers, supporting progression into more senior roles or developing your next generation of managers, tend can help you choose the right adult care qualification for your workforce.
Related training: Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
As well as adult care qualifications, the LDSS also includes funding for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, which is subject to separate eligibility and reimbursement rules.
The training is designed to improve understanding of learning disability and autism and support staff to provide safe, informed and inclusive care.
Our sister company, The Health & Safety Group, offers Oliver McGowan training, including Tier 1 e-learning and Tier 2 training.
Useful resources for employers
For the latest information about eligibility, reimbursement rates and how to make a claim, we recommend using the official government and sector guidance:
- GOV.UK – LDSS guide for employers
- GOV.UK – Eligible training courses and qualifications
- NHSBSA – Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme
- Skills for Care – Learning and development funding for adult social care
- The Health & Safety Group – Oliver McGowan Training
Important information
LDSS guidance, eligible qualifications, reimbursement rates and funding availability can change. The information in this article is intended as a guide and was correct at the time of publication. Employers are responsible for checking the latest government guidance and confirming their eligibility before paying for training.
tend cannot guarantee that an LDSS claim will be approved or reimbursed.
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