This course is designed to provide information and guidance about benefits including supplementary support. We have designed a series of 8 sessions: 2 per day to be delivered over 4 half days. You will need to attend all four dates to complete the course. If you are unable to do this please refrain from booking a ticket - this ensures maximum attendance at the events throughout the course duration.

The course is delivered by our partner organisation: NSCAB and is FREE to attend. Drinks provided.

Day 1: 19th November 2019

Universal Credit – an introduction to this benefit, looking at particular issues impacting those with complex needs.
Benefit Sanctions – explaining the sanction regimes for Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment & Support Allowance, and discussing tactics for supporting people with complex needs to avoid being sanctioned

Day 2: 26th November 2019

‘Fit for Work?’ – the Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit, looking particularly at interpreting the descriptors for people coping with complex needs
Personal Independence Payment – disability benefits and complex needs, looking at the qualifying conditions for this benefit, with an introduction to completing forms, preparing for medical assessments and dealing with reconsiderations and appeals

Day 3: 3rd December 2019

Housing costs for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit – looking at how these are calculated, restrictions on housing costs in the social and private sector, and deductions for non-dependents.
Council Tax Support – covering the schemes for working age people in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle Borough, including when the 30% and 20% minimum charges apply

Day 4: 10th december 2019

Benefits and relationships – looking at ‘living together’ decisions, benefits for children, separation and domestic violence, and when changes in family circumstances mean new claims for Universal Credit
Benefits in and out of the community – what happens to your benefits when you move into a hostel, or are admitted to hospital and prison

Please note that there is a car park adjacent to the YMCA: this is chargable and managed by an external company.

Navigating Benefits: Multiple Needs