Housing Systems: Combating poverty and sustaining tenancies.
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Income / Rents Team
Choose from one of our 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
Introduction to Welfare Benefits

This is a great introduction to the welfare benefits system.

It looks at the different types of benefits that make up the system and the way they fit together as well as how the system is being affected by the introduction of Universal Credit.

It will enable learners to be able to complete basic income maximisation checks to ensure their customers are claiming their full entitlements and don't miss out.


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Introduction to Housing Benefit

This course gives an overview of how Housing Benefit works, who can claim, how it's worked out and investigates some key problem areas.

Perfect for anyone working with tenants who wish to gain a better understanding of Housing Benefit so that they can provide accurate and up to date advice and know when to signpost a customer for more advice.



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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
Reducing arrears through Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a major source of income to housing providers. However, due to the complexity of the system, and errors made by Housing Benefit Offices, tenants often find themselves in rent arrears.

This course examines the areas where HB can go unpaid and provides new solutions to old problems..

This is a great course for anyone working with HB claimants who wants to be able to spot errors and challenge them successfully..

 

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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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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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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, why things are going wrong, and how to challenge these mistakes effectively and get back the money that the claimants are owed.

An essential course  for anyone dealing with rent arrears/supporting UC claimants - as these missing payments could help sustain tenancies.

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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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Maximising Income Through Disability Benefits

This course gives a general overview of the key disability benefits that can maximise a claimant's income.

This practical course looks at the key claiming rules for these benefits, gives hints and tips for making a successful claim and the examines the positive knock on effect that a award can have.

An essential course for anyone working with claimants with disabilities/health issues. 


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Advanced
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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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.

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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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Welfare Benefit Update

This training reviews and examines the key Welfare Benefit changes from 2021/2022 and beyond.

Learners will come away from this course completely up to date, being aware of what the current and future 'hot topics' are, and having investigated what the implications are for claimants and housing providers.


 

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