Supporting residents through the incapacity benefit changes workshops
These free workshops are facilitated by our expert welfare rights team. They will bring you up to date with the changes to Incapacity Benefits so you know what support residents may need and how to access specialist advice.
Who should attend
The workshop is for anyone who supports working age residents who have benefit issues. For example early intervention and prevention teams, working neighbourhood teams, GPs, community mental health teams, drug and alcohol services, integrated care teams, housing, advice and information workers. No prior knowledge of the benefits system is needed.
Background
From May 2011 to March 2014, up to 10,000 Incapacity Benefit claimants per week are to have their claims reassessed. Many people will be worried about what this will involve or what this might mean for them. About two thirds of claimants are expected to lose their entitlement altogether. About a third will have their claims converted to a new benefit called Employment and Support Allowance.
These changes will affect some of our most vulnerable residents who may have little confidence, lack work-related skills and have to manage a chronic health condition. For the most severely disabled claimants, this could be the first time they have to go through the process of completing forms and attending a medical assessment.
Workshop contents
- Who will be affected by the changes and when?
- Tips on completing the limited capability for work questionnaire
- What happens at the medical assessment?
- Advising residents who are refused Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) of their options
- How to appeal
- Supporting residents on ESA to do mandatory work-related activities
- How to earn up to £97.50 per week on ESA
- How housing benefit is affected by the changes
- How to access specialist advice
Dates
There are no new dates scheduled at the moment but if you are interested in attending a workshop or would like the workshop delivered in-house to your team then please email debbie.witton@salford.gov.uk.
What participants said:
- "Very well delivered - I will pass on to frontline workers and feed into the Better Life Chances Pilot." (Neighbourhood manager)
- "Made a complex subject practical and easy to understand." (Housing Adviser)
- "Really interesting and relevant as most of my clients will be going through this process." (Community Care Worker)
- "Will use to advise residents in my ward." (Councillor)
Who to contact
- Name
- Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service
- Address
-
Turnpike House
631 Eccles New Road
Salford
M50 1SW
Map to this location - Telephone
- 0161 793 3550
- debbie.witton@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 3 April 2012
