Introduction to means testing for Housing Grants

Overview

Anyone needing adaptations to be made to a dwelling to facilitate occupancy by a disabled person can apply to their local authority for financial assistance in carrying out the work.

Any grant made will depend on the cost of the work to be done, and of the financial circumstances of the disabled person.

Course purpose

To enable participants who are new to the housing grants system to understand how applications should be made, and how to make financial assessments to determine the amount of grant payable.

Course objectives

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify who is, or is not, eligible to apply for a grant
• Decide who should be treated as a relevant person
• Identify who comprises the relevant person's "family"
• Calculate applicable amounts using personal allowances and premiums
• Understand what comprises income & capital, and what is taken into account
• Calculate contribution to cost of works
• Understand the April amendments relating to Council Tax Reduction schemes, and the Personal Independence Payment

Course structure

• On screen presentations
• Demonstration examples
• Participant case studies
• Open discussion

Who this course is for

Anyone new to housing grants who needs a basic introduction to the system. Persons with limited experience who need to know the "reasons why".

Who this course is NOT for:

Experienced grants officers who need their knowledge refreshed or updated.

We strongly recommend a period of consolidation between taking the Introductory and Intermediate courses.