Universal credit - housing costs
About this course
Universal credit (UC) claimants often have difficulty getting their housing costs element included in their award and having the right amount paid on time.
This full-day equivalent course, delivered over two consecutive mornings, focuses on the practical aspects of help towards rent in UC.
It considers who is eligible for a housing costs element in their UC award, includes an overview of the claim and verification process, and looks at the common problems preventing correct payment. The course also covers how and when to apply for alternative payment arrangements and direct deductions for rent arrears.
The course covers:
- The eligibility rules for the UC housing costs element
- Local housing allowance rules, the bedroom tax and non-dependent deductions
- Calculating and checking entitlement amount
- The claims and verification process
- Alternative payment arrangement/managed payment to landlord, plus debt deductions
- Dealing with a rent shortfall
- Who should still claim housing benefit instead of a UC housing costs element
Method of delivery and timings
This full-day equivalent, standard-level course, is delivered online via Zoom over two consecutive mornings. It runs from 10am to 1pm on each day, with a half hour break between 11.15am-11.45am.
It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and group discussion. Participants will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. It is not recommended to join via a mobile phone.