Universal Credit in Depth (Advanced)

This is an advanced two-part course for experienced advisors. If you have not had much previous experience of UC, plesae book onto our UC Overview course instead.

This is a two-part course on two consecutive mornings. To attend the whole course, please select 2-part ticket for £135 + VAT (you do not need to book separately onto Part 2).

UNIVERSAL CREDIT IN DEPTH, Part 1:

• Rollout and migration issues & age conditions
• BREAK
• Eligibility issues

Aims
This part of the course looks at the current rollout issues affecting Universal Credit claimants, and the age-related entitlement conditions. It enables participants to understand who should pursue a UC claim, including the upper and lower age limits. This part of the course goes on to consider some of the eligibility issues that advisers may face when working with Universal Credit claimants.

Objectives
By the end of part 1 participants will:

• Understand the differences between the natural and the managed migration to UC.
• Have explored the effect of different changes of circumstances on legacy benefits.
• Understand the age conditions for Universal Credit, including awareness of mixed age couples.
• Recognise the factors to consider when deciding whether to claim UC.
• Be aware of the immigration, residence and presence rules in UC.
• Understand how student status interacts with UC.
• Know about the capital rules.
• Have considered the claimant commitment and conditionality rules.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT IN DEPTH, Part 2:

• The UC calculation
• BREAK
• Claims, payments & problems

Aims
This part of the course examines some of the calculation issues that may come up when working with Universal Credit claimants. This part of the course goes on to look at the issues that come up for people when trying to make and manage a claim to UC. It enables participants to help vulnerable claimants avoid UC payment related problems.

Objectives
By the end of part 2 participants will:

• Understand the steps in a UC calculation.
• Be able to recognise when elements are missing.
• Be able to explain the effect of income.
• Know how the benefit cap can affect awards.
• Have explored a range of typical UC claims-related problem areas.
• Understand claim closure and suspension and what action can be taken.
• Understand how the UC assessment period works and how changes of circumstances affect the award.
• Be aware of the different ways of tackling UC problems and when/how it is appropriate to use them.

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 with experience of Universal Credit and the wider system who want to explore the more difficult areas of UC. Please consider whether our Universal Credit Overview course may be more suitable for you before you book onto this course and contact us if you are unsure on 020 3488 4765.

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.