Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) - Funding for Adult Social Care

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) 2026

Consistent, high-quality training in adult social care shows your staff that you’re invested in their development. Building a culture of continuous learning improves morale, boosts retention, and strengthens your team – and that’s exactly what the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is designed to support.

As an experienced training provider for adult social care, we know how valuable funding can be for upskilling care teams. But we also understand how confusing the claim process can feel.

The official LDSS guidance is packed with complex terms and detailed requirements. Many employers tell us they don’t know where to begin.

That’s why we’ve created this no-nonsense guide – so you can understand the funding process in plain English. Every step, simplified.

What Is the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)?

The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a government-funded scheme, launched in September 2024 by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), that reimburses adult social care employers in England for staff training and qualifications.

The DHSC has confirmed that LDSS funding will continue into 2026–2027, supporting employers to invest in workforce development.

However, it’s important to note that the overall funding pot is limited. Once exhausted, no further claims can be made or reimbursed – so early planning and timely claims are essential.
There are also separate, ring-fenced funding pots for:

• LDSS training and qualifications
• Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training

Why LDSS Funding Matters

The Learning and Development Support Scheme aims to:

• Help adult social care workers and managers gain recognised qualifications
• Make sector-specific training more accessible
• Improve the overall quality of care services across England

It’s one of the few direct government funding streams for social care workforce development – so if you’re planning training this year, it’s a smart way to offset your costs.

Who Can Claim LDSS Funding?

You can apply for LDSS reimbursement if:

• You provide adult social care services in England
• You directly employ staff (including agency workers)
• Your staff are in non-regulated roles – such as care workers, team leaders, deputy managers, or CQC-registered managers
• You have an up-to-date ASC-WDS (Adult Social Care Workforce Dataset) account, meeting minimum data requirements and updated annually

Important eligibility notes:

• Staff must be legally employed in England and have a UK National Insurance number
• Staff do not need to be UK nationals or meet any residency threshold
• There is no minimum hours requirement – both part-time and full-time staff are eligible

You cannot claim for:

• Regulated professionals (e.g. nurses, social workers)
• Personal assistants hired directly by individuals
• Training delivered as part of an apprenticeship

What Training Does LDSS Funding Cover?

The LDSS funding scheme supports a specific list of approved qualifications and training, including:

• Diplomas in Adult Care
• Training in key areas like dementia care, autism, and learning disabilities
• Courses on end-of-life care, communication, and person-centred planning
• Leadership and management training for care services

✅ Flourish is licensed by Skills for Care to deliver Leadership training programmes that are eligible under the LDSS scheme.

You may wish to refer to the full list of LDSS-eligible courses on the official government website, as well as the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) provider list, before booking. These lists may change, so it’s important to check them regularly.

LDSS Funding Cap

There is a cap on the total value of claims that can be reimbursed per organisation. This may vary depending on the funding stream and financial year.

Previously, organisations could claim up to £400,000 between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, including parent companies and subsidiaries. Employers should refer to the latest grant determination for current limits.

How to Claim Funding – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check your ASC-WDS account

Log in via Skills for Care and ensure your ASC-WDS records are complete, meet minimum data requirements, and are up to date.

Step 2: Choose eligible training

Make sure your chosen course is on the LDSS approved training list.

Flourish offers LDSS-eligible leadership training programmes, like Well Led, Lead to Succeed, and Leading Change Improving Care – just ask if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Book and pay

Book your training directly with the provider. Training must be paid for in advance, and you must keep valid proof of payment.

Step 4: Register with NHSBSA

Create an account on the LDSS digital claims service, managed by The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Complete the onboarding form and attend an onboarding appointment to begin submitting claims.

Step 5: Submit your claim

A three-month claims window applies, regardless of when the training was paid for:

For training courses:

• Claims must be submitted within 3 months of course completion

For qualifications:

• Claim 60% within 3 months of the qualification being started and paid for (whichever is later)
• Claim the remaining 40% within 3 months of completion

👉 The 60% claim must be submitted before the 40% completion claim.

You’ll need to upload supporting documentation, including:

• Proof of payment (e.g. receipted invoice or receipt)
• Learner details (including National Insurance number)
• Training or qualification details
• Certificate of completion (where applicable)

Can I Claim for Internal Training?

Yes – as long as the training:

• Is on the LDSS eligible training list
• Appropriate evidence is provided
• Any awarding body requirements are met (for qualifications)

For qualifications, these must be awarded by an approved awarding organisation.

✅ Flourish is recognised within the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS).

A Final Note on Funding Availability

Reimbursement is not guaranteed. Funding is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis within each funding pot.

Employers are encouraged to submit claims as soon as they have the required evidence to avoid missing out.

How Flourish Can Help with Your LDSS Claim

With over 18 years’ experience in adult social care training, Flourish is a trusted partner for organisations across the UK.

We offer three LDSS-approved Leadership training programmes and can support you with:

• Confirming course eligibility
• Providing documentation and claim support
• Explaining the funding process step by step
• Recommending the right learning for your team’s development

Whether you’re just starting or halfway through your application, we’re here to simplify the process.

💬 Visit the official guidance to learn more or start your claim today.