Learner Support Service

Latest News

Last Updated: 30 October

This section of the website is dedicated to keeping you up to date with the Learner Support Service. We are updating this website regularly so please keep visiting for the latest information.

Delays to EMA applications

We are very sorry if your learners are experiencing a delay in getting their EMA. We are continuing to work hard with our contractor, Liberata, to improve the processing of EMA applications.

We have temporarily extended the 28-day limit on backdating EMA applications so that no learners miss out on the money they are entitled to.

Learners can apply for EMA at any time during the academic year, but to have their payments backdated to the start of their learning programme for the 2008-09 academic year, they need to get their applications in by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31.

There is no need for learners to call the helpline to confirm once an application has been made. We will send out the learner's NoE as soon as possible and they won't miss out on any payments

Problems with the helplines

The learner and learning provider helplines remain open. Unfortunately, Liberata is experiencing further difficulties with both helplines, which means that it will be more difficult to get through to the helplines for at least the next few days.

Please continue to bear with us while we try to work through a solution.
 

Financial support from hardship funds

Colleges can use their hardship funds to help EMA learners. We have set up a panel with our partners to review your questions and concerns about how hardship funds should be administered to support delayed EMA payments.

As well as updating this website, we also produce a monthly stakeholder e-bulletin. If you would like to subscribe please email us at: learnersupportupdate@lsc.gov.uk .

There is more information in letters from the LSC’s Chief Executive, Mark Haysom.

 
Mark Haysom's letter 8th October to College Principals

Mark Haysom's letter 8th October to all Schools

Mark Haysom's letter 8th October to all WBL Providers


ALG applications are not affected by these issues.