This course is for advisers with a basic understanding of Housing Benefit looking to understand how it is calculated. An essential course for anyone working with HB claimants who want to be able to spot errors in the amount of the award and challenge them successfully.

AIMS:

The learners will examine the '5 steps' to calculating HB, using case studies and practice calculations. They will learn about the different premiums available, and the eligibility and criteria for them. They will also look at the impact different kinds of income have on a calculation. Throughout the course case studies will be used highlighting where things can go wrong.

OBJECTIVES:

• Gain knowledge of the '5 steps' of HB calculations
• Gain an understanding of the bedroom tax, non-dependant deductions and service charges
• Gain an understanding of the premiums available and the criteria for each
• Investigated the two child limit rules
• Considered what counts as income and how this effects an award
• Examined what counts and savings (and what's disregarded) and how this effects an award
• Be able to explain how the benefit cap affects a HB award
• Gain an understanding of the errors that are made and where claimants miss out
• Gain knowledge of when a claimant might be better off on UC

LEVEL:

Intermediate

HOW IS THE COURSE DELIVERED:

This course can be delivered online, or face to face. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and cases studies, group discussion, and quizzes.

HOW MUCH?

We advise that this course be delivered over a minimum of 6 hours either as:

• Online - two 3 hour on-line Workshops, or
• Face-to-face - one full days training.

Click here for more information on pricing.

AFTER THE COURSE:

Learners will receive a copy of the PowerPoint slides, a certificate, and any additional resources such as relevant flowcharts and summary sheets. They will also be asked to complete an evaluation form.

IF BOOKING TO BE DELIVERED ONLINE:

We will be in touch to discuss and finalise the arrangements. Learners will need a good wifi connection and a suitable computer/laptop to access both the training session and a second internet-enabled device such as a tablet or smartphone for joining in any quizzes. In the week of the course, learners will receive an email with a link to the course, as well as a reminder just before the course is due to start.

IF BOOKING FACE TO FACE:

We will be in touch to discuss and finalise the arrangements. We will require a delegate list a week before delivery. It is assumed that you will source and provide a suitable venue taking account of any Covid restrictions in place at the time of delivery.