Introduction to benefits

Full day

Background

There have been radical reforms to the benefits system in recent years and more are planned. If benefits are something new to you or you need a refresher, this course will outline the current range of benefits available and where and how to claim them. It will give you a basic understanding of the benefits system that you can build on by attending the more detailed courses in the programme.

Aims

To provide an overview of the range of benefits and tax credits available to your service users and how to claim them.

To enable you to provide basic advice and recognise when, how and where to refer for specialist advice.

Contents

• What benefits are available and where to claim them
• Means tested, non means tested and disability benefits
• How means testing works
• Contact details for specialist advice

Suitable for

Anyone who works with people on low incomes or who needs a basic understanding of how the benefits system works.

No prior knowledge required.

What participants said last year

“Excellent.  It has increased my knowledge of benefits to a point that it makes me feel confident to answer questions”

“Enjoyed the exercises and well delivered by both trainers”

“Great introduction and overview”

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009