What funding is available for Adult Care courses? A complete guide for adult social care employers and learners

If you work in adult social care, training is essential — but it can also be expensive. A common question across the sector is: what funding is available for Adult Care courses?

The good news is that there is government support available. In England, the main source of funding for Adult Care courses is the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). This scheme helps adult social care employers recover the cost of training and qualifications for their workforce.

This post explains what funding is available for Adult Care courses, who can access it, what training is covered, and how the funding works in practice.

What funding is available for Adult Care courses in England?

Currently, the primary answer to what funding is available for Adult Care courses in England is the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS).

LDSS is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). The scheme reimburses adult social care employers for the cost of eligible training courses and qualifications completed by their staff.

Rather than funding being paid directly to learners, LDSS supports employers who invest in training their adult care workforce.

Who can access funding for Adult Care courses?

When asking what funding is available for Adult Care courses, it’s important to understand who is eligible.

Eligible employers

Adult social care employers can claim LDSS funding if they:

• Provide adult social care services in England
• Directly employ care staff
• Have an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account

Eligible learners

Funding is available for non-regulated adult social care staff, including:

• Care and support workers
• Senior care workers
• Deputy managers
• CQC-registered managers
• Agency workers (where eligibility criteria are met)

Learners must be legally employed in England and have a valid National Insurance number.

What Adult Care courses are funded?

Another key part of understanding what funding is available for Adult Care courses is knowing which courses qualify.

LDSS funding covers a wide range of approved adult social care training and qualifications, including:

• Adult Social Care Certificate (Level 2)
• Leadership and management training
• Dementia care and mental health courses
• Digital skills for adult care
• Care diplomas and regulated qualifications

Only courses listed on the official eligible training and qualifications list can be claimed, so employers should always check eligibility before booking training.

How does funding for Adult Care courses work?

If you’re wondering what funding is available for Adult Care courses and how it’s paid, LDSS works on a reimbursement basis.

Training courses

• Employers pay for the course upfront
• A claim is submitted after completion
• Claims must be made within three months

Qualifications

• 60% of the funding can be claimed when the qualification starts
• The remaining 40% is claimed on completion

Funding covers training and qualification costs only. It does not include staff wages, travel, or backfill costs.

How much funding is available for Adult Care courses?

The amount of LDSS funding depends on the course or qualification. Each eligible programme has a maximum reimbursement value. For example, the Adult Social Care Certificate has a set funding cap.

Because the overall LDSS budget is limited each financial year, employers are encouraged to plan training early and submit claims promptly.

Why understanding what funding is available for Adult Care courses matters

Knowing what funding is available for Adult Care courses helps employers:

• Reduce training costs
• Improve staff retention
• Support career progression
• Raise standards of care

For care workers, funded training means access to recognised qualifications and professional development without placing extra financial pressure on employers.

Final thoughts: what funding is available for Adult Care courses?

To summarise, the main answer to what funding is available for Adult Care courses in England is the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). It provides valuable financial support for adult social care employers investing in training and qualifications for their workforce.

For more information please contact us: Partner with Us for Your Care Training & Funding Needs – A1 Education & Training

Please check your eligibility: Learning and Development Support Scheme for the adult social care workforce: a guide for employers – GOV.UK