Training
The Welfare Benefits Unit delivers an extensive training programme throughout the year consisting of our popular three-day Introduction to Benefits course along with a range of one-day courses. We also offer bespoke training packages to suit your needs and requirements. Our training courses are generally delivered online via Zoom, however, we can provide in-person training courses upon request.
Choose the Right Level of Course
Introductory level courses: for frontline workers who either do not work specifically in welfare rights or who are new to benefits advice work, who want to know about the benefit issues relevant to their clients to give basic advice or refer on. These courses can also act as a refresher for those with benefit advice experience.
Standard level courses: for people with some working knowledge of the benefits system, or the subject covered by the course. These courses are suitable for people who want to update skills in a specific area or wanting a refresher.
Experienced level courses: for more experienced workers who are confident about covering issues in more, and sometimes complex, detail.
“The updates and training that the Welfare Benefits Unit provides is always excellent.”
Our Training Courses
Introduction to Benefits – Introductory level – 6 online modules
This course of six modules gives you all the necessary tools you need to be able to accurately advise on benefit entitlement. You will gain the knowledge and skills required to support clients through the complexity of the welfare benefit system.
Benefits for Disabled Young People inc Students – Experienced level – 2 online modules
This course will look in detail at what happens to parent claims as young people approach key ages (such as 16, 19 or 20) or leave education, and the benefits available to disabled young people including how disabled students can claim Universal Credit while in education.
Benefits for Families with Children – Standard level – 2 online modules
This two-module course provides an overview of the support available for families with children. As well as covering benefits for children and parents, it looks at help with childcare costs for working parents, support for 16 to 19 year olds and completing claims for a child. It also considers how the benefit cap can reduce the overall support available to families.
Benefits for State Pension Age – Standard level – 2 online modules
This course focuses on the benefits available for people who have reached State Pension age. The course will show how to maximise benefit income for this specific client group and covers State Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance. We will also look at the interaction with working age benefits, including mixed-age couples (one person over State Pension age and one person under).
Benefits for Special Circumstances – Experienced level – 2 online modules
This course will look in detail at how different benefits may be affected in special circumstances, including going into hospital, a care home or prison. The course will provide details of what benefits are not payable immediately or after a specified period, or are payable at a reduced rate.
Benefits Overview – Working Age – Introductory level – 2 online modules
A course designed for those who need to know about the benefit system and how it affects their clients. It will provide an overview of the benefit system and outlines benefits for different groups of people who are working age, helping you identify benefit entitlement and responsibilities.
PIP How to Get the Right Decision – Standard level – 2 online modules
This course is for those who assist clients with making claims for Personal Independence Payment. In this course we will consider in detail the descriptors for the Personal Independence Payment assessment as well as good practice when completing the forms and submitting evidence. The course will also provide an overview of how to challenge Personal Independence Payment decisions.
UC Spotlight on Deductions – Standard level – 1 online module
This course will provide an understanding of the payments that can be recovered or deducted from Universal Credit, including maximum rates and disputing deductions. This course is relevant to anyone who has a working knowledge of Universal Credit and works with working age claimants.
UC Spotlight on Income and Capital – Standard level – 1 online module
This course will provide an overview of how different types of income and capital are treated for Universal Credit. Common issues and problems will be identified, including the calculation of earnings and the treatment of property. The course will help you understand how income and capital affects a Universal Credit claim.
UC Spotlight on Work Capability – Standard level – 2 online modules
This course focuses on the limited capability for work assessment for Universal Credit. The course gives you an understanding of the main rules for people whose health or disability limits their ability to work. This course also explores entitlement to the limited capability for work elements and provides details of the severe conditions criteria.
“This service has a lead role in providing invaluable information services and training in the area.”
Talks
We give talks and presentations to a wide range of groups and societies. These can be tailored to suit an organisation’s individual requirements.
Contact us for more information and pricing.
