Universal credit - housing costs (Scotland) 7 - 8 March 2024 ONLINE

Universal credit (UC) claimants often have difficulties getting the housing costs element included in their claim and having the right amount paid on time. This course focuses on the practical aspects of help towards rent in UC. It will include an overview of the claim and verification process, who is eligible for housing costs in their UC award, common problems preventing correct payment of the housing costs element and how to check payment amounts and dates.

The course also covers how and when to apply for Alternative Payment Arrangements, Scottish choices, direct deductions for rent arrears, relevant regulations for challenging administrative errors.

The course covers:

• Who can still claim housing benefit
• The eligibility rules for housing costs
• Local housing allowance rules and the bedroom tax
• How the benefit cap affects UC and housing benefit
• How discretionary housing payments can mitigate the effects of the bedroom tax and benefit cap
• Calculating and checking entitlement amount
• The rent verification process
• Recognising possible reasons for rent shortfall

The course will be delivered online via Zoom from 10am to 1pm each day with a half hour break from 11.15 – 11.45. 

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. Participants will receive an email a few days before the start of the course, with a link to the event hosted on our AskCPAG elearning platform.