ASF funding - pensions

I suppose the question is "Are (non-state) pensions Earnings?"

If so then, if it's less than £25k then they're fully fundable and if it's more than £25k they'd be co-fundable. And, if they're not "Earnings" per se (and an attempt to google "are pensions earnings?" has not helped!!!) then would just be based on their other income (or lack of?)

As above, some fully funded some not, relevant guidance from adult funding rules for clarity-

Providers may also use their discretion to fully fund other learners if either of the following apply. The learner:

• receives other state benefits (not included in the list above) and their take-home pay (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £892 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £1,437 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
• not receiving any benefits, wants to be employed and you are satisfied that the identified learning is directly relevant to their employment prospects and local labour market needs. In order to claim full funding for learners who are unemployed and not receiving benefits, you must indicate that they earn below the earnings threshold by using LDM code 391 and FFI code 1

I'd be careful about anyone receiving pensions or being semi-retired etc as they are not likely going to pass muster in audit as someone who wants to be employed unless there is a good explanation as to why they need to do a particular course.

Yes, that's the point I'd got to. Is it too much to ask the ESFA to spell this stuff out?

Had a reply from the DfE helpdesk:

Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the private pension is included as part of their earnings. A learner who is earning under this threshold can be fully funded if they meet all the residency and eligibility criteria.

Hi Stephen,

A very interesting topic about whether pensions are earnings...

Could I check something please, you mention funding those who are unemployed, not on benefits but claiming a "non-state" pension. As this appears to not fall within the ESFAs definition of "unemployed" is the discretionary option added for 24/25 rules as below not applicable?

• not receiving any benefits, wants to be employed and you are satisfied that the identified learning is directly relevant to their employment prospects and local labour market needs.

You'd could then ignore the question as to whether "non state" pensions are earnings... That is a very interesting response from the DfE though...

Thanks

Andrew