Means testing for Housing Grants (Intermediate)

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 give participants a refresher in the processes of how applications should be made, and how financial assessments to determine the amount of grant payable should be carried out. Additionally to give more detailed knowledge of the housing grants system including dealing with self-employed applications, and awareness of the latest amendments to legislation.

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
• Be aware of new legislation
• Calculate self-employed income, tax and national insurance

Course structure

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

During parts of the course reference will be made to the Ferret Renovator program to highlight particular case studies

Who this course is for

Anyone with experience of the housing grants system, and/or who have attended the Introductory course, who wishes to refresh, update and expand their knowledge.

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