Universal Credit – the Housing Costs Element (half-day)

It can be difficult to get the Housing Costs Element correctly awarded in Universal Credit. This course addresses the issues that typically come up when we are helping people who rent from a private landlord or from a council or a housing association

This is a half-day course, run over a single morning.

HOUSING COSTS ELEMENT: overview & eligibility Housing / how the Housing Costs Element is worked out  

Aims
This half-day course begins with the eligibility rules for the Housing Costs Element of UC and who can get it in respect of rent. It goes on to look at how the Housing Costs Element is worked out and how we can check amounts are calculated and paid correctly.  

Objectives
By the end of this course participants will:

• Understand which rent payments are eligible for universal credit housing costs element, including the liability and occupation rules. 
• Understand how the housing costs element is calculated. 
• Understand restrictions on housing costs and how amounts can be affected by non-dependants, the size criteria, the local housing allowance and service charges. 
• Understand how changes such as rent increases and moving home affect UC.
• Be able to check that universal credit awards are correct in respect of the housing costs element.  

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 participants working with people of working age who pay rent. A basic understanding of universal credit is assumed. If you are new to universal credit you should consider first attending our Universal Credit Overview course.  

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 this course will receive an e-certificate and regular benefits news updates. This also guarantees eligibility to access our free 6 months post-course advice service and priority entry to free webinars.