Advanced Learner Loan bulletin - December 2024

ALL processing update

Due to some internal process changes we're temporarily experiencing delays in application processing times for some learners. We're working through applications as quickly as we can and apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

We also recently introduced the Home Office Data Share Project (HODS). This enables us to check with the Home Office to validate the learner’s identity and status. Applications will move to ‘Awaiting Validation’ while they make the check.  If the validation fails, we'll request a manual check from the Home Office.  Applications will remain at ‘Awaiting Validation’ during this period.

Learners can contact the Learner Helpline on 0300 100 0619 if they have any questions relating to their application.

January performance management review point (PMP)

We're approaching the second and final ALL PMP for academic year 2024/25. This is on 16 January 2025 and you'll need to use 90% or more of your loan facility to be in scope for a growth award.

If you do not meet the criteria set out in the funding rules but need growth, you should contact your Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provider facing team lead. You should also complete the exceptional case template which will be available from 6 January. Please return completed forms by Monday 13 January.

You can track your facility usage with the Loan Facility Details report. This is available in the Financials Home section of the Learning Provider Portal.

Due to the tight deadline following the winter break, please make this a priority if you plan to be in scope for growth.

Changes to Learner Helpline operating hours

We're adjusting our contact service opening times to continue to support learners at the times they contact us the most. Please update your current resources to reflect these new hours when giving information or guidance to learners.

The Advanced Learner Loans Learner Helpline will now be open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday. You can contact the helpline on 0300 100 0619.

There will be no change to Partners Support Desk opening times.

Partners Support Desk winter hours

Our support desk team is available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday to answer any day to day operational questions about individual students, application processing, payments and system issues.

You can contact the support desk on 0300 100 0643 or by emailing lpservices@slc.co.uk.

Over the winter break, opening hours will change with an amended schedule between Tuesday 24 December and Thursday 2 January:

• Monday 23 December - 9am to 5pm
• Tuesday 24 December - 9am to 12pm
• Wednesday 25 December - closed
• Thursday 26 December - closed
• Friday 27 December - 9am to 5pm
• Monday 30 December - 9am to 5pm
• Tuesday 31 December - 9am to 12pm
• Wednesday 1 January - closed
• Thursday 2 January - closed
• Friday 3 January - 9am to 5pm

The support desk will return to business as usual on Friday 3 January 2025.