How to Apply for LDSS Funding

The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is the government funding programme that helps adult social care employers in England reclaim the cost of staff training and qualifications. It replaced the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) and is now the main route for funding non-regulated care staff learning and leadership development.

It helps adult social care employers in England reclaim costs for eligible training and qualifications. The process is straightforward once you know what evidence is required and when to submit it. 

Step 1: Check you’re eligible 

Before starting, make sure your organisation: 

• Provides an adult social care service in England. 

• Employs non-regulated care staff (e.g., care workers, team leaders, CQC-registered or deputy managers). 

• Has an active ASC-WDS account (Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set). 

If your staff are apprentices or regulated professionals (nurses, AHPs), sadly, they will not be covered by LDSS funding. 

Step 2: Choose an eligible course or qualification 

Only specific courses on the LDSS Eligible Training and Qualifications list qualify for reimbursement. These include: 

• The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (up to £1,540). 

• Skills for Care programmes such as Lead to Succeed and Well-Led. 

• Regulated qualifications in dementia, mental health, autism, end-of-life care, diabetes, and more. 

Step 3: Register with NHSBSA 

Employers must complete the LDSS onboarding form and attend a short call with NHS Business Services Authority. Once approved, you’ll get access to the online LDSS portal to submit claims. 

Step 4: Keep your evidence ready 

For each learner, you’ll need to upload: 

• Proof of payment (receipted invoice or bank statement). 

• Course or qualification details and awarding organisation. 

• Certificate of completion (or proof of start for qualifications). 

• Learner’s National Insurance number. 
  All claims must be supported by valid documentation to avoid delays. 

Step 5: Submit your claim on time 

• For courses: within 3 months of completion. 

• For qualifications: within 3 months of start (60% claim) and again within 3 months of completion (40% claim). 
  The funding pot is limited, so it’s first come, first served. 

How CareTutor helps 

CareTutor supports providers throughout the process by: 

• Mapping LDSS-eligible courses against your workforce needs. 

• Providing inspection-ready evidence: certificates, assessment scores, and training-matrix exports. 

• Supplementing funded qualifications with CPD-accredited eLearning and SmartRefresh™ compliance tools to reduce repeat training costs. 

Build your leadership and compliance training plan

Start with the official LDSS eligibility list, then talk to CareTutor about delivering the three Skills for Care leadership programmes — Lead to Succeed, Well-Led, and Leading Change Improving Care. 
 

We’ll help you integrate these LDSS-funded leadership courses with our CPD-accredited eLearning to keep your teams compliant, confident, and ready for inspection. 

Book an LDSS-eligible course as you apply for funding

If you’re an eligible adult social care employer in England you can book onto our Skills for Care leadership programmes and fully claim the costs back through LDSS when claimed correctly. View upcoming courses and book your place below.