NHS Learner Support Fund | Eligibility, Application & Payment

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Pursuing a career in healthcare is both rewarding and demanding. However, financial concerns often become a challenge for students enrolled in healthcare-related courses.

Recognising this, the NHS Learner Support Fund (LSF) was introduced to provide financial assistance to students pursuing eligible courses in England.

The NHS LSF includes grants for training, travel, accommodation, and financial hardship support, ensuring students can focus on their studies without undue financial burden.

This guide provides detailed insights into eligibility, application processes, available financial support, payment schedules, and key guidance for students applying for the NHS Learner Support Fund.

What Is NHS Learner Support Fund?

The NHS Learner Support Fund (LSF) is a financial aid programme designed to support students in England pursuing healthcare-related courses. The fund covers various forms of support, such as training grants, travel reimbursements, and emergency financial assistance.

What are the Eligible Courses?

To qualify for NHS LSF, students must be enrolled in a pre-registration undergraduate or postgraduate programme in one of the following fields:

Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (Level 5 and 6)
Dietetics
Midwifery
Nursing: including Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Joint Nursing and Social Work
Occupational Therapy
Operating Department Practice
Orthoptics
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Paramedics: excluding DipHE and Foundation Degree (FD) courses
Physiotherapy
Podiatry and Chiropody
Radiography: both Diagnostic and Therapeutic
Speech and Language Therapy

Note: Foundation year courses do not qualify for NHS LSF. Students must create an NHS LSF account to apply for and manage their financial support.

Who Is Eligible for the NHS Learner Support Fund?

To qualify for the NHS Learner Support Fund, students must meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled in a full-time or part-time healthcare course at a university in England.
Be actively studying, whether in academic coursework or clinical practice placements.
Be eligible for tuition fees and maintenance support through the Student Loans Company (SLC), under:

Student Finance England (SFE)
Student Finance Wales (SFW)
Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI)
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)

Even if a student has not applied for a student loan, they may still be eligible for NHS LSF. However, they must provide proof that they meet the eligibility criteria for SFE, SFW, SFNI, or SAAS.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Students receiving an NHS Bursary cannot apply for NHS LSF.
Students enrolled in foundation courses or non-qualifying degree programs.

When to Apply for the NHS Learner Support Fund?

Students must apply for NHS LSF by creating an account on the NHS Learning Support Fund website. This account remains active throughout their studies, but students must reapply every year to continue receiving support.

Application Process

Create an NHS LSF Account: Students must register on the official NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Complete the Application: Provide personal details, university information, and financial eligibility details.
Upload Necessary Documents: This may include student loan award letters or identification documents.
Submit the Application: Ensure all required information is correctly entered before submitting.

Application Deadlines

Students must apply within six months of their academic year start date.
Continuing students will receive email invitations to reapply.

What If a Student Withdraws or Interrupts Their Course?

The university updates the NHS LSF system with a student’s last attendance date.
NHS LSF will adjust the funding based on the period of enrolment.
If a student returns within the same academic year, reapplication is not necessary.
If they return in a new academic year, they must submit a new application.

When Are NHS Learner Support Fund Payments Made?

The NHS Learner Support Fund (LSF) payments are scheduled based on the academic year and the student’s enrolment confirmation by their university. These payments are distributed across three terms and follow a set schedule for students beginning their studies in September or October 2024.

Payment Schedule for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Students starting their course in September or October 2024 will receive payments on:

Term 1: 19 November 2024
Term 2: 18 March 2025
Term 3: 22 July 2025

For students who enroll at different times, payment dates may differ depending on when their university confirms their attendance through the Confirmation of Student Attendance (COSA) process.

Payments are released after the university submits this confirmation to NHSBSA, ensuring that students actively participating in their courses receive their funding on time.

Students should regularly check their NHS LSF account and university notifications for updates regarding their payment status.

What Guidance Is Available for NHS Students Applying for Financial Support?

Applying for NHS LSF can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. To support students, NHSBSA provides various resources to help them navigate the eligibility requirements, application process, and payment system.

1. NHS LSF Guidance Booklet

A comprehensive document that explains everything about the NHS Learner Support Fund, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, payment schedules, and step-by-step instructions on submitting claims.
It also provides detailed information about specific grants, including the Training Grant, Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE), and the Exceptional Support Fund (ESF).

2. Short Video Guides

Designed for students who prefer visual instructions, these short videos cover essential topics such as:

How to apply for NHS LSF
How to track application progress
How to claim travel and accommodation expenses
What to do in case of a payment delay or issue

These resources ensure that students fully understand the financial support available and can confidently apply for NHS LSF without errors.

What Financial Support Can Students Get From the NHS Learner Support Fund?

The NHS Learner Support Fund provides multiple types of financial aid, depending on the student’s individual circumstances and course requirements.

1. Training Grant

A £5,000 annual grant available to all eligible students, designed to support living and academic costs.
This grant is non-means-tested, meaning students do not need to provide evidence of household income to qualify.

2. Specialist Subject Payment (SSP)

An additional £1,000 per year is provided to students studying specific healthcare courses that require extra support.
This applies to subjects such as Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, Radiography, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Orthoptics, and Podiatry.

3. Parental Support

Students who have at least one dependent child under 15 years old (or under 17 years old if registered with special educational needs) can receive an extra £2,000 per academic year.
This grant is designed to help student parents cover childcare and additional living costs while studying.

4. Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE)

This grant reimburses students for additional travel and accommodation costs incurred while attending placement locations that are not near their usual place of study.

Exceptional Support Fund (ESF)

In addition to these four core grants, students facing unexpected financial hardship can apply for the Exceptional Support Fund (ESF), which provides up to £3,000 in additional support.

ESF applications require students to provide evidence of financial distress, and the fund is means-tested based on individual circumstances.

How Does the NHS Training Grant Support Healthcare Students?

The Training Grant is a vital financial resource for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Unlike student loans, this grant is non-repayable and non-means-tested, making it a valuable source of funding for eligible students.

Key Features of the Training Grant

Provides £5,000 per academic year to help students cover living costs and study-related expenses.
Available to all eligible students regardless of financial background, meaning household income is not considered during the application process.
Paid in three instalments per academic year, aligning with the university term schedule.

Specialist Subject Payment (SSP)

Certain courses require additional support due to high demand and workforce shortages. The Specialist Subject Payment (SSP) provides an extra £1,000 per year to students studying:

Mental Health Nursing
Learning Disability Nursing
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Orthoptics and Podiatry

This extra funding ensures that students pursuing critical healthcare specialisms receive additional financial support to complete their training.

What Are NHS Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE)?

Healthcare students often need to travel for placements that require them to stay away from home, leading to increased travel and accommodation costs. The NHS Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) fund provides reimbursement for these additional costs.

What Can Students Claim?

Travel Expenses:

If a student’s placement is further than their usual journey to university, they can claim back the excess cost of travel.
Claims are calculated based on the cheapest form of public transport or mileage rates for those using personal vehicles.

Accommodation Costs:

If a student is required to stay near their placement location, they can claim reimbursement for accommodation expenses.

Reimbursement Rates for 2024-2025

Cycling: 30p per mile
Driving: 42p per mile
Hotel accommodation: £82.50 per night
Staying with friends/relatives: £37.50 per night

How to Claim TDAE?

Students must first receive the Training Grant before claiming TDAE.
Claims must be submitted through their NHS LSF account under the relevant academic year.
The deadline for submitting claims is six months from the last date of placement.

How to Create an NHS Learning Support Fund Account?

To apply for NHS LSF, students must register for an online account where they can submit applications, update personal details, and track payments.

Steps to Register

Visit the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Click on “Create an Account” and enter personal details, including:
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Date of birth
- Home address
Set up a secure login to manage applications and payments.
Once registered, apply for NHS LSF funding each academic year.

Students must keep their account details updated, as incorrect information may cause delays in payment processing.

How to Contact NHS Learning Support Fund for Help?

Students who need assistance regarding eligibility, application status, payment delays, or other concerns can contact NHS LSF through the following methods:

Contact Details

Online Form: Available through the NHS LSF website for general queries and document submission.
Telephone Support: 0300 330 0521 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM – 3 PM).
Text Relay Service: 18001 0300 330 0521 for accessibility support.

For urgent issues, students can also reach out via social media platforms, including Twitter (@NHSBSA_LSF) and Facebook (Learning Support Fund).

Conclusion

The NHS Learner Support Fund is an essential financial resource that ensures healthcare students can complete their training without financial hardship. With grants for tuition, travel, accommodation, and parental support,

NHS LSF makes it easier for students to focus on their studies while managing their living costs.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and available financial aid ensures students can access the support they need throughout their academic journey.

FAQs

How long does it take for NHS LSF applications to be processed?

Applications are typically processed within 20 working days once all documents are submitted.

Can I apply for NHS LSF if I am studying part-time?

Yes, part-time students receive a pro-rata amount based on their course load.

What happens if I miss the six-month application deadline?

Late applications are not accepted, so it is essential to apply within six months of your course start date.

Is the NHS Training Grant taxable?

No, the Training Grant is tax-free and does not need to be repaid.

Can I claim both Parental Support and the Exceptional Support Fund?

Yes, students can apply for multiple support options if they meet the eligibility criteria.