Who should attend this course?
Run by Citizens Advice Devon, this course is designed for people across Devon who work in voluntary sector organisations that provide help and support to members of the public e.g. foodbanks, caring organisations, community transport as well as; social prescribers, housing providers, local authorities, or anyone who works with people of working age who are struggling to make ends meet.
Introduction and Aim
Moving across to Universal Credit is still challenging for many people. The cost of living crisis makes it more important than ever for people to maximise their income and Universal Credit is the main means-tested benefit that can help people. In addition, the DWP has started its process of ‘managed migration’, whereby everyone currently on ‘legacy benefits’ (e.g. Income Support, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit) will be assessed for entitlement to Universal Credit. This means that many more people will be asking questions about Universal Credit.
This course aims to provide participants with information about moving from the old, means-tested benefits (‘legacy’ benefits) to Universal Credit so that they can advise their clients or signpost them for more information. It will help advisers and their clients to navigate their way through the complexities and maximise income.
Objectives
This course will enable participants identify who is entitled to Universal Credit and help them to claim. It will enable participants to:
• Explain the basic conditions of entitlement
• Explain the circumstances in which people move onto Universal Credit
• Explain how the benefit is calculated
About your tutor:
Vincent Wilson - Vincent has worked for the Citizens Advice service in Devon since 1985. As an experienced trainer, he has provided benefits training for many years to voluntary and statutory sector staff, covering all aspects of the benefits system from introductory courses to Tribunal Representation. He has been a benefits caseworker for most of his working life, having taken cases to the Upper Tribunal level. He has been involved with national Health Education England in the design of an e-learning module on social welfare legal support and money guidance for social prescribers and has provided training locally on the financial support available to people worst affected by the rise in the cost of living. He is Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Teignbridge.