Courses

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.

Introduction to Benefits – Introductory level – 6 online modules

This course is designed to give people all the necessary tools they need to be able to accurately advise on benefit entitlement. You will have the opportunity to work through case studies and scenarios. These modules provide helpful hints and tactics on how best to support clients through the complexity of the welfare benefits system.

Introduction to Universal Credit and migration – Introductory level – 2 online modules

This course provides an overall understanding of Universal Credit including conditions of entitlement, calculation and how best to advise claimants.

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, claiming for 16 to 19 year olds and competing claims for a child. It also considers how the two-child limit and Benefit Cap can reduce the overall support available to families.

How work affects sickness and disability benefit – Standard level – 1 online module

This course provides an understanding of the effect of work on Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit if you have limited capability for work and disability benefits. The course focuses on how earnings affect how much benefit you will get and the impact of changes in employment and working if you have limited capability for work or are getting a disability benefit.

Move to Universal Credit – Experienced level – 2 online modules

This course provides a detailed look at migration to Universal Credit including managed and natural migration, better-off calculations and how best to advise claimants. Case examples will highlight the issues involved and provide a basis for discussion.

Benefits for People with Mental Health Conditions – Standard level – 2 online modules

This one-day course is designed to look in detail at the benefits available for people with mental health conditions. The course will highlight the barriers to people getting the right benefit and look at how best to maximise benefit entitlement.

Benefits for State Pension age – Standard level – 2 online modules

This course will look in detail at the benefits available to people who have reached State Pension age. Case studies and calculations will be used to highlight entitlement and support learning.

Challenging Benefit Decisions – Standard level – 2 online modules

This course is designed to give advisers the knowledge and confidence to challenge benefit decisions and take a case to a tribunal hearing. The course will give participants the tools to be able to make judgements about challenging decisions and understand the possible outcomes

Universal Credit Housing Costs – Standard level – 1 online module

This course provides an understanding of who is eligible for help with housing costs in their Universal Credit award and how this is calculated.

Universal Credit and Work – Standard level – 1 online module

This course provides an understanding of the effect of work on Universal Credit entitlement. The course focuses on earnings assessment if you are employed or self-employed, the impact of changes in employment and working if you have limited capability for work.

Benefits Overview – Working age – Introductory level – 2 online modules

This one-day course is designed for those who need to know about the benefits system and how it affects their clients. It will provide an overview of the benefits available and outline benefits for different groups of people, helping you identify benefit entitlement and maximise income.

Universal Credit – income and capital – Standard level – 1 online module

This course will provide an understanding of how different types of income are treated for Universal Credit and the rules about capital and its effect on Universal Credit. Common issues and problems will be identified, and the course will help you understand how income and capital effects a Universal Credit claim.

Universal Credit deductions – Experienced 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 is a problematic area for many people claiming Universal Credit.

Disability and Carer Benefits – Standard level – 2 online modules

This course has been designed to give advisers in-depth knowledge about disability and carer benefits. It promotes stronger claims by offering a thorough understanding of the claims process and the assessment criteria, as well as information about how to challenge decisions.

“This service has a lead role in providing invaluable information services and training in the area.”