Housing Systems: Combating poverty and sustaining tenancies.
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Older People Services
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.


More information - click here

 

Benefits for Older People

This training takes learners through the main benefits available to state pension age applicants.

Learners will gain the information they need to spot mistakes, maximise awards and provide effective advice to pension age claimants.

This course will give learners an understanding of the key rules of the key benefits for pensioners and help them identify those entitled / those who could be entitled to more. An ideal overview or refresher for those working with pension age claimants. 

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Pension Credit Overview

This training looks at the means-tested top-up benefit for state pension age claimants, Pension Credit.

The learners will look at the eligibility criteria, claiming process, how it is calculated, common myths and what other support someone entitled to Pension Credit may then be able to access. 

As this is one of the most underclaimed benefits, this is an essential course for anyone working with Pension Age claimants to ensure they are not missing out.

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Attendance Allowance

This training offers the learners an overview of the Pension Age disability benefit Attendance Allowance.

Taking a look at the eligibility criteria and the claiming process, learners will then move on to learn about how AA is assessed, and tips for filling in the claim form to support making successful claims.

This training is ideal for anybody working with Pension Age claimants.

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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 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

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Intermediate
    
Housing Benefit for Older People


This training considers the Housing Benefit rules that are particularly relevant for state pension age claimants so that accurate advice can be given.

This course will take learners through key topics such as:
- the savings/capital rules - what if someone has a house to sell,
- how absences from home affect an award and
- when a pensioner can claim HB even though they have over £16,000 in savings.

Ideal for anyone working with state pension age claimants. 

 

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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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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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Benefit Essentials when Moving Home

This training gives learners a clearer understanding of how a move impacts on the benefits their customers are claiming and the impact a move has one these. 

It answers some key questions such as: Will the move trigger the need to claim UC? What extra help is available specifically for those moving home? What if they need help with paying the rent for two properties? 

It also examines some of the benefits commonly unclaimed so as to maximise benefit entitlement. 

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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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Advanced
    
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.


 

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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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