Housing Systems: Combating poverty and sustaining tenancies.
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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

 

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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Disability Benefits Overview

This training gives an overview of the benefits available to help with disability needs.

Learners will investigate the basic eligibility rules, as well as looking at how to apply. They will also receive top tips for those claiming sickness/disability benefits.

An ideal course to identify ways to maximise income and support claimants with health/disability issues..

 

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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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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
    
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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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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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
    
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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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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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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