HRD Corp Claimable Training
A practical guide to understanding what’s HRD Corp claimable, how the claim process works, and how in-house training is typically reimbursed.
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What This Guide Is (and Who It’s For)
Purpose, scope, and how to use this page
This page is a practical reference for HR, L&D, and training managers in Malaysia who want to understand what “HRD Corp claimable” really means, how the claim process typically works, and how in-house training is usually reimbursed.
It is written for employers, not grant consultants, and focuses on clarity over jargon. It does not replace official HRD Corp policy documents. Instead, it helps you avoid common misunderstandings that lead to rejected or delayed claims.
What Is HRD Corp? (HRDF vs HRDC)
Clarifying terminology and common usage
HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation) is the statutory body that manages training levy funds contributed by eligible Malaysian employers. The term “HRDF” is still widely used in search and conversation, but the official body is HRD Corp.
When people say a course is “HRDF claimable” or “HRDC claimable”, they usually mean that the training cost can be reimbursed from the employer’s levy balance, subject to scheme rules and approval.
Official Reference: For detailed cost caps and claimable item categories, see the HRDCorp Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) Guidebook (January 2026 Edition).
What Does “HRD Corp Claimable” Mean?
What claimable really implies for employers
“HRD Corp claimable” does not mean training is free, nor does it mean reimbursement is automatic.
In most cases, the employer:
- Submits a grant application before training starts
- Pays for the training upfront (depending on scheme)
- Submits a claim after training is completed
- Receives reimbursement if the claim meets HRD Corp requirements
Approval depends on the scheme used, the type of training, documentation quality, and compliance with claimable cost rules.
HRD Corp Schemes at a Glance: HCC vs SBL
Choosing the right reimbursement mechanism
HRD Corp commonly supports training through two broad mechanisms.
HRD Corp Claimable Courses (HCC)
Under HCC, HRD Corp pays the training provider directly after approval and completion. This is more common for public or standardised courses.
Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL)
Under SBL, the employer pays the training provider first and later submits a claim to HRD Corp for reimbursement. SBL is commonly used for in-house, customised, or company-specific training.
Most in-house training programs, including customised AI and digital capability programs, typically fall under SBL.
Step-by-Step: Typical HRD Corp SBL Claim Process
From grant application to reimbursement
Before Training
- Identify the appropriate scheme (usually SBL for in-house training)
- Prepare the training outline and internal approval
- Submit the grant application via the HRD Corp portal before training begins
During Training
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Track participant attendance accurately
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Maintain evidence of training delivery
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Ensure the training follows the approved scope
After Training
- Prepare claim documents (proof of payment, attendance records, reports)
- Submit the claim within the stipulated timeframe
- Respond to clarification requests if required
Missing documents or inconsistencies are among the most common causes of delayed or rejected claims.
What Costs Are Typically HRD Corp Claimable?
Understanding common cost categories and limits
Training Fees
- Course fees: Actual cost subject to scheme approval and justification
- Trainer fees (external): Varies by expertise and delivery mode
- Internal trainer allowance: Subject to daily rate caps defined in ACM
Participant Allowances
- Meal allowance: Capped per participant per day
- Accommodation: Capped per participant per night (when required)
- Travel: Subject to distance and mode requirements
Course Materials and Resources
- Training materials: Workbooks, handouts, digital resources
- Software or platform fees: When required for training delivery
- Assessment fees: Certification or competency assessment costs
Course Materials and Resources
- Training materials: Workbooks, handouts, digital resources
- Software or platform fees: When required for training delivery
- Assessment fees: Certification or competency assessment costs
Important: Actual claimable amounts depend on delivery mode (physical vs digital), training duration, and scheme type. Always verify current caps in the ACM before budgeting.
Practical Cost Cap Examples (Indicative)
The following examples illustrate typical cost structures for in-house training under SBL. Actual caps vary by scheme and are subject to change.
Internal Trainer Allowance
- In-house trainer (existing employee): Capped daily rate per ACM
- External subject matter expert: Higher rate subject to justification
Participant Costs per Day
- Full-day training meal allowance: Typically includes breakfast, lunch, tea breaks
- Half-day training: Proportional meal allowance
- Overnight training: Accommodation cap per night
Delivery Mode Differences
- Physical training: Venue, meals, accommodation claimable
- Digital/virtual training: Meal and accommodation typically not claimable
- Hybrid training: Only costs for physically attending participants
Example: 2-Day In-House Workshop (20 participants)
- Trainer fees: Internal trainer allowance × 2 days
- Participant meals: 20 pax × meal rate × 2 days
- Materials: Workbook cost × 20 participants
- Administrative: Subject to percentage cap of total cost
Refer to the official ACM for exact figures and scheme-specific variations.
Documents Commonly Required for HRD Corp SBL Claims
What HRD Corp typically expects at each stage
For Grant Application
- Training proposal or outline
- Participant list
- Trainer profile
- Cost breakdown
For Claim Submission
- Proof of payment
- Attendance records
- Training report or completion evidence
- Supporting invoices or receipts
Incomplete or unclear documentation is one of the biggest reasons claims are queried.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common concerns from HR and L&D teams
Is in-house training HRD Corp claimable?
Yes, in-house training is commonly claimable under SBL, subject to approval and documentation requirements.
Does HRD Corp pay the training provider or the employer?
Under SBL, the employer pays first and claims reimbursement later. Under HCC, HRD Corp pays the provider after approval.
Are customised or company-specific courses claimable?
Customised courses are typically claimable under SBL if they meet HRD Corp requirements.
What causes HRD Corp claims to be rejected?
Common reasons include late submission, missing documents, cost items exceeding caps, or training delivered outside the approved scope.
Can AI or digital skills training be HRD Corp claimable?
Yes, provided the training objectives, structure, and documentation align with HRD Corp guidelines.
What is the daily rate cap for internal trainers?
Internal trainer allowances are subject to daily rate caps defined in the HRD Corp Allowable Cost Matrix. The cap varies by scheme type and whether the trainer is an existing employee or an external subject matter expert.
Are virtual training meals still claimable?
No. For fully digital or virtual training delivery, participant meal and accommodation allowances are typically not claimable. Only physical or hybrid training with in-person attendance qualifies for these allowances.
What's the maximum claimable per participant?
There is no single universal cap per participant. Total claimable amounts depend on training duration, delivery mode, meal allowances, accommodation requirements, and materials costs. Each cost item has its own cap as defined in the ACM.
Can administrative costs be claimed?
Yes, but administrative costs are subject to a percentage cap of the total approved training cost. Refer to the ACM for the current percentage limit.
How Radiant Institute Supports HRD Corp-Ready In-House Training
Reducing claim friction without overpromising
Radiant Institute primarily delivers in-house programs and designs training with HRD Corp documentation realities in mind.
Our support typically includes:
- Clear training outlines aligned to approval requirements
- Attendance and completion evidence formats
- Post-training reports suitable for claim submission
- Realistic guidance on what is typically claimable
We do not guarantee claim approval, but we help reduce avoidable friction in the process.
