United KingdomGOV.UK
RPA changes online claims for educational access visits
VED1 claimants should follow Rural Payments service help and contact RPA if needed, while continuing to supply a signed declaration for every farm visit.
By Taxxa AI OyPublished 19 August 2026
The Rural Payments Agency has changed the online process for claiming capital item VED1: Educational access visits.GOV Its Countryside Stewardship claims guidance directs claimants who need help with the new process to contact RPA. The change concerns submission through the Rural Payments service, with the agency directing users to the service’s onscreen instructions.
For online capital claims, RPA directs users to select “View business details” after signing in, then scroll down the business overview to “Countryside Stewardship claims”. The onscreen “Help” link provides the steps for completing the process. RPA also asks users to contact it if they encounter difficulties making an online claim.
Supporting evidence remains central to getting paid. RPA’s site visit declaration guidance requires a form with the claim for every site visit to the farm. The group leader must sign section B at the end of the visit. For VED1, the form supports an educational-access claim under a Capital Grants agreement. The same declaration guidance also covers ED1 under Countryside Stewardship and HN9 under Higher Level Stewardship.
Claimants should submit the declaration with their revenue or capital claim form to ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk, using the subject heading “Educational access claim evidence”. The 2026 capital-grants agreement holder’s guide allows up to 25 VED1 visits in a twelve-month period and sets no minimum number of visits for each claim.
If unable to claim online, claimants can contact RPA by phone or email to request a capital claim form. They then send the completed form, supporting documents and relevant evidence by post or email. RPA can also be reached through “Create or view a query” in the Rural Payments account. Telephone support is available on 03000 200 301, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, excluding public holidays.
For VED1 in a Capital Grants agreement, RPA’s 2026 agreement holder’s guide addresses the changed submission process in section 7.5.1.
Use the Rural Payments service’s current help for VED1 claims, submit a signed declaration for each visit, and contact RPA if you need help with the changed process.