Benefits for Older People

There are lots of opportunities to maximise income when working with an older person but the rules can be complex. This course looks at Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance as well as the interactions between them.

This is a two-part course, run on two consecutive days. To attend the whole course, please select 2-part ticket for £155 + VAT, you do not then need to book separately onto Part 2.

BENEFITS FOR OLDER PEOPLE, Part 1:

• Pension Credit main eligibility rules
• BREAK
• Pension Credit amounts

Aims
This part of the course looks at the eligibility rules for Pension Credit. It enables participants to identify who should claim Pension Credit. This part of the course goes on to look at the calculation for Pension Credit and how amounts for Pension Credit Guarantee are worked out.

By the end of part 1 participants will:

• Understand who can claim Pension Credit Guarantee and who can claim Pension Credit Savings.
• Understand the age rules for Pension Credit including an awareness of the rules for mixed age couples.
• Be aware of the presence, residence and immigration rules and the typical problems that can affect claimants.
• Understand how the appropriate minimum guarantee is calculated in Pension Credit Guarantee.
• Recognise how different forms of income and capital affect Pension Credit and when a capital disregard might apply;
• Have gained an understanding of how Pension Credit Guarantee is worked out.
• Be aware of other important benefits for older people including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

BENEFITS FOR OLDER PEOPLE, Part 2:

• Attendance Allowance main eligibility rules
• BREAK
• Attendance Allowance form filling

Aims
This part of the course teaches the main eligibility rules for Attendance Allowance and who should claim Attendance Allowance. This part of the course goes on to look at the disability criteria in Attendance Allowance and how to make effective applications.

By the end of Part 2 participants will:

• Understand the main eligibility rules for Attendance Allowance (AA).
• Be aware of how AA is affected when a claimant enters hospital and other residential settings.
• Understand the rates of pay in Attendance Allowance and how much people should get.
• Be able to help people make effective applications on attention grounds.
• Be able to help people make effective applications on supervision grounds.
• Have gained effective techniques for filling out the Attendance Allowance application form.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources.

Intended audience
This course is for staff working with people aged 66 and above. No previous experience is required, although a working knowledge of the wider benefits system is helpful.

What you will need
You will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. Prior to the event, BTC will email you a link which you should use to join the event.

Certificates & post course support
Named participants completing the whole course (Parts 1 & 2) will receive an e-certificate and regular benefits news updates and guarantees access our free 12 months post-course advice service.