Advising on Universal Credit

Introduction

The introduction of Universal Credit and its associated welfare reforms constitute the biggest change to the benefits system since the start of the welfare state.

Ferret are now offering a course focussed on Universal Credit to bring you up to speed on the details and implications of new benefit as they will affect your customers and yourself. Ferret are the producers of the FFBM Future Benefits Model which is able to forecast, year by year, the detailed operation of the benefits system. FFBM is widely used in reports and for research. This means that the course is uniquely able to offer detailed calculations and case-studies showing the real impact of the new system on different groups of customers.

Content

This course looks at Universal Credit from the perspective of experienced advisers. Some of the topics covered in the course include:

• Background to Universal Credit
• The timetable for introduction
• Core differences between universal credit and the current system
• Which current benefits go and which stay
• Two sets of schemes running side by side
• Who can claim Universal Credit - and who can’t
• How is it calculated
• How are the Universal Credit needs amounts assessed
  • Family
  • Incapacity
  • Caring
  • Childcare
  • Housing
• How are income and capital assessed
  • Earnings
  • Other income
  • Capital
• Problem areas
• Benefit Caps
• Transitional protection
• Claiming Universal Credit
  • the ‘digital as appropriate’ aim
  • monthly payments
• Conditionality and sanctions
• Support for advice

By the end of this course you will -

• Have a knowledge of the processes and content of Universal Credit
• Have an understanding of the impact on clients and advisers
• Be able to explain the importance of preparing and planning for the changes; for clients and for organisations

Format

There will be a set of course notes to work with on the day together with:

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

You will also receive an electronic version of the latest editions of ‘Benefits After The Act ’ and a copy of the presentation slides.

Tutor

The course is given by Gareth Morgan from Ferret. Widely acknowledged as the leading expert on the practical implications of the reforms, he is the author of ‘Benefits After The Act - The Future of Means-Tested Benefits after the Welfare Reform Act 2012’

Some comments from previous courses:

   Enjoyable, informative, thought-provoking. Excellent day - City & County of Swansea

   Great course - well delivered and researched - Action for Blind People

   A very good course. It is the first time we have been on a Ferret course. We would definitely use the company again - Pathways Mental Health Matters

Level

Intermediate

CPD

Ferret´s face to face Welfare Reform training is authorised and accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the award of CPD for solicitors and others.

5.5 hours CPD will be awarded for completing this course.

Booking

To view current dates or book a training course use our online booking form, or alternatively contact us through the main office on 029 2064 3333, Fax us on 029 2064 3331 or email us: training@ferret.co.uk

In-house training may be the preferred solution if you require training for a team of up to 16 staff.