ILR funding model
38 (35 legacy)
Funded by
DWP from 2026/27 (DfE-administered)
Covers ages
19 and over
Devolved?
Yes — in strategic authority areas
Full funding vs co-funding
Whether a learner is fully funded or co-funded depends on their age, prior attainment, employment status and earnings. Fully funded learners attract 100% of the funding rate; co-funded learners attract a co-funding rate (the provider may charge a fee contribution for the remainder).
- Legal entitlements: English and maths up to level 2, and a first full level 2 or level 3 for eligible adults
- Unemployed and low-wage learners can be fully funded for many aims
- Earnings thresholds determine low-wage eligibility and are updated each year
Devolution
If a learner's home postcode falls within a devolved authority, that authority's adult education rules and rates apply — not the national ASF rules. Use the Devolved Funding Checker to identify the funding body for a postcode.
Tailored and community learning
ASF also covers tailored learning (formerly community learning) which supports wider participation, wellbeing and progression for adults, with more local flexibility over eligibility and fees.
Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.
Official sources
- Adult Skills Fund funding and performance management rules 2026 to 2027 — GOV.UK — DfE (for DWP)
- ASF devolution postcode dataset guidance — GOV.UK — DfE (for DWP)