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Universal Credit
Choose from one of our Universal Credit Courses below - just click to see the outline.

We tailor every course we deliver - so the outlines shown are just samples and a starting point for designing the course you need.

Contact us for more details: training@housingsystems.co.uk

Great resource
"What a great resource to ensure front line staff have the knowledge they need today  to help customers.”
 
Introductory
Universal Credit The Basics

This training provides an overview of Universal Credit.

The learners will take a look at the basic eligibility criteria, and the claiming process, how Universal Credit is made of different 'elements' and 'allowances'. Also taking a look at monthly assessment periods and an overview of how UC is calculated, and how changes in circumstances can affect a claim.

An essential course to any new members of staff looking for a basic understanding of Universal Credit

More information - click here

 

Universal Credit - How Much?

This training gives an overview of how Universal Credit is calculated.

It gives learners an insight into the different elements/allowances that make up a claimant's 'Maximum UC', how different types of income affect this, and the deductions that can be taken from an award.

A perfect course for anybody wanting to gain a basic understanding of how UC awards are calculated. No maths needed!

 

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Intermediate
UC Problem Areas and How to Resolve Them

This training will be mainly case study based – concentrating on the latest areas where things are going wrong – giving the knowledge and tools to put them right!

A basic understanding of UC is assumed i.e. Who has to claim, Monthly Assessment Periods, How UC is assessed…

 

 

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Universal Credit for Income Teams

Specifically written for Income Teams, this training takes a look at Universal Credit, investigating  problem areas and enabling the delegates to spot errors, maximise income and reduce rent arrears.

Using relevant studies and exercises, with time for Q&A and discussion.

A must for all income/rent teams working with Universal Credit claimants.

 

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Universal Credit Housing Costs - Problem Areas

This training gives a thorough overview of the UC Housing Costs Element and looks at the key problem areas UC claimants experience with it.

Many claimants do not receive the correct amount but find it difficult to work out why.

This course gives learners the information they need to check a claimant is receiving the correct amount of the Housing Costs Element and investigate what's gone wrong. 

Topics include: eligibility,  untidy tenancies, bedroom tax issues, non-dependant deductions, being away from home.
 

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Universal Credit: The Missing Payments

This training takes an in-depth look at where UC claimants have missed out on what they are entitled to.

Through our query service, we have seen many instances of claimants not getting the arrears they are owed in certain situations. This training takes a look at these situations, how things are going wrong, and how to challenge these mistake effectively and get back the money that the claimants are owed. An essential course if dealing with rent arrears as these missing payments could help sustain tenancies.

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Universal Credit for Lettings

This course is designed specifically for Lettings Teams.

Learners will be looking at how moving home impacts someone's benefit claims. It will help answer the questions - Do they need to claim UC? And if they do, how does this change in circumstances affect their existing awards?

Highlighting the areas where incorrect advice can be given it will enable learners to ensure claimants don't lose out when moving home.

Using relevant case studies and exercises, with time for discussion and Q&A, this is the perfect course for your Lettings Team.

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UC and Affordability Checks

Learners will look at how to complete an effective benefit check with housing applicants, including looking at whether they will need to claim Universal Credit on moving home.

It will enable the learner to make an accurate assessment about affordability.



 

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Universal Credit for Customer Services

A Universal Credit course written with customer service staff in mind.

This training will give an overview of the most common problem areas of Universal Credit, giving the learners the knowledge they need to spot issues and to make effective referrals to ensure the claimant can get the support they need. Giving hints and tips of what to look out for, and questions that need to be asked at the first point of contact, this course is ideal for the staff on the frontline.

 

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Universal Credit for Those Living in Sheltered Housing

A Universal Credit course for those working in Sheltered Accommodation.

This training examines how Universal Credit works for those living in Sheltered Housing.  Should a UC claimant's rent be covered by Housing Benefit or a Housing Costs Element ? What service charges will UC cover? What are the other implications of being on UC? Learners will gain an understanding of what can trigger a UC claim, and take a look at some common issues arising for these residents in receipt of UC. 

A must have course for staff working in Sheltered Accommodation to ensure their benefit claiming tenants don't miss out.

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Mixed Age Couples


This training looks at the challenges and opportunities for mixed age couples: many could be considerably worse off without the right advice!

This course will investigate the rules for mixed age couples using case studies - examining what options a mixed age couple has to maximise income and avoid preventable loss of income.


 

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Calculating Universal Credit

This training takes an in depth look at how the UC calculation works.

It takes learners through the various Elements that make up a claimant's 'maximum UC' award and examines how income affects an award.

It highlights the areas where claimants may be missing out and provides hints and tips on maximising an award.

Case studies are used throughout to reinforce learning and explain the impact of rules  such as the two child limit and the Benefit Cap. 

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Maximising UC Award

This training will investigate the key area where UC claimants miss out:

Moving from legacy benefits - the 2 week run-ons and the Transitional SDP Element.
The LCW/LCWRA elements - who's entitled and making sure the DWP apply the rules correctly.
Workers - working carers, disabled workers, the work allowance and how earnings are treated.
Housing Costs - common mistakes

With hints and tips on how best to challenge UC decisions.

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Extra Help for Universal Credit Claimants

This course will give learners the tools and information they need to ensure the UC claimants they work with are accessing the additional 'extras' they are entitled to.
Topics covered include:
Change in Circumstances and Budgeting Advances
Free school meals
Help with health costs, funeral payments and maternity payments
Discretionary Housing Payments
Council Tax Support, discounts and the exceptional hardship funds
An essential course with the cost of living on the rise. 

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Universal Credit for Workers

This training builds on delegates’ existing knowledge of Universal Credit.

It focuses on how Universal Credit works for workers and highlights the problem areas, where workers could be missing out. 

By the end of the course, learners will be able to give accurate advice to help those UC claimants who are working or thinking about making the move into work / self-employment. 

 

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UC Conditionality and Sanctions

This information packed training will quickly review the reasons why a claimant may get sanctioned, before looking at the impact of sanctions.

It will examine the DWP’s duty to make allowances for vulnerable claimants, as well as how long should a sanction should last, and how much a claimant could lose.

It will highlight why it is important to ensure a claimant commitment is realistic and explains how to help a claimant do this.

It investigates what options claimants have if they have been sanctioned, including applying for a Hardship Payment and challenging a sanction decision

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UC and Limited Capability for Work

This workshop will investigate how the limited capability for work rules can affect UC claimants.

It will highlight key problem areas and lesser known facts. 

It takes the learner through the process and enables them to spot the issues will equip them with all the required knowledge to support people on this journey and  ensure that the rules are followed, so the claimant gets what they are entitled to.


 

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UC For Those With Complex Needs

This training examines how UC can work for those with complex needs .

It looks at: telephone claims, pinned notes, how much UC, conditionality and minimising problems, together with hints and tips for ensuring the DWP recognises 'complex needs' status.

An essential course for anyone Supporting vulnerable UC claimants to ensure the UC system works with them rather than causing them problems. 

 

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Challenging UC Decisions

This course focuses on challenging Universal Credit decisions.

Learners will be guided through the process, top tips and tactics for getting a mandatory reconsideration, getting access to the information used in the DWP's decision, and submitting appeals.

During this course the learners will also look at the value of complaints and how they can work with challenges.


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Universal Credit Managed Migration

This training takes a look at the managed migration of 3 million legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit.

This workshop explains the migration process and how claimants can be supported through this process to minimise problems. 

 

 

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Advanced
Universal Credit: For Better or for Worse

From 2022 the DWP has been encouraging 'legacy benefit' claimants to switch to UC.

This training examines which legacy benefit claimants are better off delaying the move to UC and which should consider switching earlier.

It highlights the factors to consider beyond a simple better off analysis.

An essential course for anyone supporting working age claimants.


 

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UC: Making the most of the Transitional SDP Element

This training looks at how the Transitional SDP Element works. It considers how much someone should be entitled to, when this could be reduced, and explains why the loss of PIP doesn't mean the loss of this Element.

It will give participants the information they need to give accurate advice to claimants affected by this change to ensure they receive this Element at the correct amount, if entitled.
It also highlights that some claimants can take advantage of the rules by delaying a claim for UC or by claiming earlier. 
An essential course for anyone working with or supporting UC claimants.

More information - click here 


Universal Credit LCW Problem Areas

UC claimants with a Limited Capability for Work are experiencing a variety of problems. Many are missing out on the benefit / back pay they are entitled to, others are not having their health conditions appropriately taken into account.

This training will outline how the system should work and the key problems. It will examine how you can get the best result for your client, giving hints and tips for challenging UC decisions

 

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Appealing Work Capability (UC & ESA) and PIP Decisions

This workshop looks at how a LCW/ PIP decision can be challenged, tactics for doing so and investigates using caselaw to secure the best decision.

 

 

  

 

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Universal Credit & Supported Housing

This training looks at the rules for UC claimants living in supported accommodation and what it means for them.

As well as reviewing the definition of 'specified accommodation', this course examines the lesser known rules that will apply to these UC claimants: how much HB (in brief), the higher work allowance, special rules for DHPs, rules around moving in and moving on.

And there will be an opportunity to discuss problem areas and to discuss good practice and ideas.

More information - click here

 

Advanced Mixed Age Couples

This training will look at the challenges and opportunities for mixed aged couples.

Many mixed age couples could be considerably worse off without the right advice. This course is designed for experienced advisers and will investigate these complex rules using case studies, examining what options a mixed age couple has to maximise income and avoid preventable loss of income.


 

More information - click here

 

Students and Universal Credit

This training will look at the rules regarding students and UC - in particular the complicated rules for disabled students. 

It will concentrate on students in advanced education but will look at those in non-advanced too. 

The course will examine what the rules say - which students can claim UC and how student income is treated. It will enable learners to give accurate advice and spot mistakes. 

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EEA Nationals and Universal Credit

This training is designed for staff who would like a practical understanding of which EEA Nationals can claim UC.

Learners will investigate the problems EEA Nationals will run into when claiming UC - including providing evidence and will discuss how to help EEA Nationals challenge DWP decisions that they are not habitually resident.

Learners will gain the confidence they need to ask the right questions and to advise claimants appropriately.

 

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EEA Nationals and UC for Income Teams

This training is designed for staff who collect rents and would like a practical understanding of which EEA Nationals can claim UC.

This course will demystify the rules, explain terminology and help learners gain a better understanding of which EEA Nationals can (and which can't) claim UC. 

It also examines the financial risks landlords face due to the recent changes to EEA Nationals' rights to live, work and claim benefits in the UK. It will highlight some of the problems EEA Nationals may face and provide hints and tips along the way.
 

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Challenging Sanctions

This training takes a detailed look at the JSA and UC regulations around sanctions.

The learners will explore the claimant's commitments, and take a look at how they should be notified about a reduction to their award, and also look at 'good cause'

The learners will come away equipped with the knowledge, hints, and tips they need to spot and challenge where sanctions have been unfairly applied to claimant's claims.

 

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Be Prepared: Current and Future Hot Topics

This training is designed to look at the upcoming topics and changes and how they might affect your customers - and your workload.

The aim is to ‘be prepared’ for the cases you can expect to come across when benefit rules change, so you can plan and be aware of what issues might be coming through your door in the next 6 months. 

 

 

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