Previous courses

This half-day online training course explains how the universal credit (UC) ‘Complex Needs’ rules work, who is covered and what this should mean for UC claimants. It also covers how you can ensure the DWP recognises ‘Complex Needs’ status.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This online training course will help ensure that ‘exceptional circumstances’ rules are properly applied using regulations, guidance and case law. This will mean more effective claims, revisions and appeals.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Older people commonly do not claim all that they are entitled to. This course provides an introduction to pension credit and aims to help you with effective benefit checks to maximise income. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

‘Kinship care’ is the situation in which a child goes to live with a member of their extended family or with a family friend. This course looks at benefit issues that arise for kinship carers. It provides an opportunity to consider local authorities’ responsibilities in relation to kinship care assistance and a chance to look at what universal credit means for kinship carers and for local authorities. It also provides an opportunity to look at the range of benefits which kinship carers might want to claim: for example, child benefit, guardian’s allowance, disability and carers’ benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day experienced level online course looks at the universal credit (UC) rules that particularly affect ill or disabled people.

It will equip you to advise clients about the transfer to UC, including through changes of circumstances. You will also explore how the work capability assessment affects UC and the affect of working for disabled people claiming the benefit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day introductory level course - delivered over four one-hour modules, across two consecutive mornings - provides an overview of the benefits system and examines how the system is affected by the introduction of universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The requirement to have a right to reside for key benefits such as universal credit, remains a significant barrier preventing many EEA nationals accessing these benefits.  In addition, the immigration status restrictions pose a separate barrier, which affects increasing numbers of EEA nationals in the UK.  The law affecting the entitlements of EEA nationals continues to evolve and, to most effectively assist EEA nationals, it is vital that advisers keep up to date. 

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day course, held over two consecutive mornings, summarises how the PIP claim process or ‘journey’ works and the importance of the PIP2 questionnaire.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Child disability payment (CDP) is a new Scottish benefit that helps towards the additional needs of disabled children. It replaces disability living allowance (DLA) for children living in Scotland. Getting an award of CDP can significantly increase income so it is a crucial benefit for advisers and support workers to know about. This course gives a practical insight into the main rules and helps you identify children who may be entitled. It equips you to make effective claims by demonstrating how a child meets the qualifying criteria.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Entitlement to social security is determined by whether or not a claimant meets the legal rules relevant to the benefit in question. Similarly, the processes that must be followed.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many Legacy claimants are better off delaying a move to UC, but others should consider switching ASAP. The right choice may be complicated and advisers should not depend on a simple ‘better off’ calculation. This course considers best practice, and looks for a more systematic approach.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) claimants often have difficulties getting their Housing Costs element included in their claim and having the right amount paid on time.

This one-day 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 Housing Costs element and how to check payment amounts and dates. The course also covers how and when to apply for Alternative Payment Arrangements and direct deductions for rent arrears, and relevant regulations for challenging administrative errors.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to navigating the “decision based system” of benefit entitlements set out in Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1998. This will help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes.

This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of universal credit and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This training course looks at how to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal should work. If the PIP challenge is done well, there is an additional 20% chance the DWP will ‘lapse’ the appeal in the claimant’s favour before it even reaches a judge, meaning that many claimants will not have to wait 6 months or so before having to go through a formal PIP hearing. Everything then depends on getting these PIP challenges done accurately and efficiently. This means the full use of available PIP regulations, case law and guidance.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly.

Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on regulations and caselaw, this essential two-morning course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many young people who have been ‘looked after’ by the local authority are affected by special social security rules. Some are excluded from income-related benefits like universal credit and instead the local authority is responsible for supporting them. Some are entitled to a ‘care-experienced bursary’. This course looks at the special benefit rules for this group of young people and provides the opportunity to consider other support available.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Make sure you know how recent benefit changes are likely to affect students. This course is for advisers with a good working knowledge of the benefits system as it applies to students, and mainly updates advisers on changes, rather than on existing rules.    

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Advisers need to understand how different rules fit together to be able to correctly advise non-European nationals on how their immigration status affects entitlement to benefits. 

This standard level course offers an opportunity for advisers to gain knowledge and confidence by taking a step-by-step approach, and looking in-depth at how the rules apply to different scenarios.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Migrating legacy benefit claimants to universal credit has begun. How and when will this impact the clients/tenants you support? If they are entitled to transitional protection, when will this reduce or stop?

This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate the migration to universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at how to use medical evidence effectively, particularly in Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Universal Credit Appeals. 

It considers how to deal with the traps and pitfalls appellants commonly encounter after disclosing GP notes and specialist letters. It informs advocates and advisers how to make best use of medical evidence. It examines what the tribunal is looking for, and how to ensure your client gets the maximum benefit from medical evidence obtained.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Older people commonly do not claim all that they are entitled to. This course provides an introduction to pension credit and aims to help you with effective benefit checks to maximise income.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This training course focuses on Universal Credit (UC), the centre piece of the Government’s welfare reform programme. Universal Credit is now at ‘full roll out’ across the UK and applies to working age claimants whether they are in work or not. UC comes with a reputation for delays and problems relating to poor decision-making, as well as difficulties arising from the UC computer system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Judicial review is an essential tool for challenging decisions that affect benefit and tax credit claimants where there is no right of appeal. This interactive course gives advisers a clear understanding of its potential use and helps them to develop their skills in challenging unlawful decision-making.

In increasing areas of the benefit system, rights of appeal have been removed, decision making has become discretionary and legal aid is no longer available. As a result, judicial review has become more important a remedy than ever. Delays, discretionary welfare decisions and late mandatory reconsideration refusals are just three examples of areas where judicial review could be necessary, and which advisers are more likely to encounter as a result of welfare reform.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This interactive and practical course is designed to increase your skills and confidence if you are new to training, and provide an update on best practice if you are a more experienced trainer.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly. Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on regulations and caselaw, this essential one-day course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Adult disability payment (ADP) is a new Scottish benefit aimed at supporting working-age adults who have extra care needs or mobility difficulties because of a disability. It replaces personal independence payment in Scotland. Getting an award of ADP can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for advisers and others to know about. This introductory level course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day standard level course provides a practical and tactical look at working with people with mental health diagnoses to help secure full entitlement to benefits, and to help avoid some of the pitfalls of the system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The requirement to have a right to reside for key benefits such as universal credit, continues to be the most significant barrier to EEA nationals accessing these benefits.  However, increasingly advisers also need to understand how the immigration status of EEA nationals arriving in the UK more recently can affect their entitlement to the main benefits.

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This online training course looks at how best to optimise WCA challenges by focusing on essential regulations and case law messages. We will help you identify the correct entitlement and also examine why DWP assessment mistakes may have arisen. Knowing this will help strengthen appeals you assist with.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Designed for those new to benefits advice work, this two-morning online course provides an essential introduction to the benefits system.
Through CPAG’s collaboration with Disability Rights UK, this course is ideal for advisers looking to fully support clients who claim disability benefits. Participants will also gain an understanding of welfare benefits more generally, and how to help people maximise their income through benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit is the main working age, means-tested benefit throughout the UK. It was intended to simplify the social security system and provide an incentive to work, but its monthly assessment and online process can seem daunting for clients and advisers alike. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate universal credit and avoid potential pitfalls.    

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how PIP entitlement ‘points’ can be scored if you show you cannot do something ‘reliably’.
In this way, understanding reliability regulation 4(2A) is vital to your understanding of who qualifies for PIP, and accordingly how you can support PIP claims and appeals.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

A period in custody, whether on remand or serving a custodial sentence, impacts on benefit entitlement. Problems often arise when a person released from custody tries to claim the benefits they are entitled to.  This course will help you understand what happens to benefit entitlement when someone goes into prison. It provides an opportunity to discuss some of the issues that come up when someone is released. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

When a Scottish benefit is refused, an award is wrong or there is an overpayment, what steps should you take to put things right? You may already be familiar with the processes involved in challenging DWP decisions. But the terminology, rules and processes for Scottish benefits are different. Depending on the case, Social Security Scotland can make a ‘redetermination’ or a ‘determination without application’, there is a new process to get an appeal underway and important new ‘short-term assistance’ available. To make an effective case as an adviser and maximise income while challenging a decision depends on knowing which route to follow.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course gives a basic grounding in preparing a social security appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Using practical examples, the aim is to increase confidence and share tactics.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course explains in detail which students can claim universal credit and how student funding affects the amount they get. It also covers particular problems to do with claiming universal credit and what to do about them. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Attendance allowance (AA) is the main disability benefit for people who have reached pension age. Getting an award of AA can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for older people.

This course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled. The course is aimed at advisers with little or no experience of AA.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day introductory level course - delivered over four one-hour modules, across two consecutive mornings - provides an overview of the benefits system and examines how the system is affected by the introduction of universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day standard level online course looks at how limited capability for work rules affect UC. The outcome of the work capability assessment has a crucial role in determining claimants’ work-related requirements as well as the amount of money they get.

You will also explore how the work capability assessment affects UC and how to navigate the process and challenge decisions.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Most people will claim a social security benefit at some point in their lives. This course is for anyone new to helping people in Scotland navigate their way through the benefits system or who wants an overview of benefits.  The course gives an introduction to the benefits system looking at what it is, who it is for and how it all fits together.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is for people who want to learn how to use QBC (the Quick Benefits Calculator) effectively and confidently. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This essential one-day course, held over two mornings, is aimed at non-benefit staff and volunteers working with people for whom benefits are an issue.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to the benefits and tax credits system and enables staff to complete basic income maximisation checks on behalf of clients, tenants and service users.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Disability living allowance (DLA) is the main way of meeting the additional needs of many children yet it is under claimed and can be hard to understand.

This course looks at the DLA rules as they apply to children. It considers how to fill in the form to get the best outcome for the child.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how the universal credit (UC) ‘Complex Needs’ rules work, who is covered and what this should mean for UC claimants. It also covers how you can ensure the DWP recognises ‘Complex Needs’ status.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is essential for anyone who wants to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) effectively. The main aim of the course is to give you an understanding of what is an error of law, and practice in finding errors of law in the First-tier Tribunal statement of reasons.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Some claimants receiving ‘Legacy’ benefits under the old rules may elect to ‘jump ship’ early onto UC because they think it is better for them, or because they have been encouraged to do so by the DWP or other officials. This can result in winners and losers, with no way back.

Other Legacy claimants are sitting tight, waiting for a UC ‘migration’ letter from the DWP that will propel them into UC, at the risk of losing all their Legacy benefits if they fail to comply.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes.

This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of universal credit and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Benefit may be overpaid for many reasons and recovery often leaves people in hardship. The rules on recoverability vary considerably between DWP benefits, housing benefit and tax credits and now, Scottish benefits, and the course highlights the significance of claimant or official error for each. Using practical examples, this course equips you to deal with overpayments by taking a systematic approach to checking and challenging recoverability.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is essential for anyone who wants to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) effectively. The main aim of the course is to give you an understanding of what is an error of law, and practice in finding errors of law in the First-tier Tribunal statement of reasons.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This is essential training if you are starting out as a welfare rights adviser in Scotland or need a good understanding of the benefits system. It introduces you to the social security system and important concepts to help you maximise benefit entitlement. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the core benefits and assessments involved in welfare rights advice – universal credit, the assessment of limited capability for work and the assessment of adult disability payment. You will learn how to maximise entitlement and deal with problems.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

There are two new Scottish disability benefits: child disability payment and adult disability payment. These replace disability living allowance (DLA) and personal independence payment (PIP) for people who live in Scotland. This course will help you advise confidently with an understanding of which rules are different or new, how the transfer process works, tactics when there is an existing appeal, and more.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Do you advise or support former members of the British armed services and their families? You will know that it can be difficult to work out how their benefits are affected by the pensions and other payments they get after leaving the armed services.  This course will help you solve these problems and improve your ability to maximise income for former servicemen and women and their families.   

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Attendance allowance (AA) is the main disability benefit for people who have reached pension age. Getting an award of AA can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for older people. This course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled. AA will eventually devolve to Scotland and become pension age disability payment. This course will keep you up to date with any developments on this.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability welfare benefit run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is aimed at those starting a PIP claim aged between 16 to pension age.

PIP can assist with personal care needs as well as with mobility difficulties. It is paid at various rates and is not means-tested. An award of PIP can still increase certain “legacy” awards that were already in place before Universal Credit was invented.

This training course is intended to help those new to helping claimants with social security queries, and will increase awareness of this key disability benefit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The welfare benefits system is complicated and confusing, both to claimants and those whose responsibility it is to support them. Claimants are largely expected to know their rights, although it is clear that most do not. Thousands of millions of pounds is under claimed every year leading to severe hardship, including rent arrears and other indebtedness.

This training course is intended to help those new to helping claimants with social security queries, and to increase awareness of the key welfare benefits available to new and established claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at how limited capability for work rules affect universal credit (UC). The outcome of the work capability assessment has a crucial role in determining claimants’ work-related requirements as well as the amount of money they get. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

If you need to get a universal credit or other benefit decision changed, this course aims to gives you the essential knowledge to do it. To successfully challenge a decision, knowing what type of decision to ask for can make all the difference. This might be a mandatory reconsideration, a revision or a supersession. In some cases complaints, disputes or judicial reviews might be the appropriate course of action.

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

You do not need to be a benefit expert to make a difference. This course is for anyone working with people in Scotland on low incomes or with additional needs. You will learn the basics of social security and be able to identify which benefits are available to the people you work with. You will understand the key life events that can have an impact on benefit entitlement and recognise when someone should make a new claim or report a change in circumstances.      

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course focuses on the transitional issues for claimants who are moving from legacy benefits and tax credits to universal credit (UC). It is expected that claimants in Scotland will begin to be moved to UC under the managed migration process during 2023. Giving the right advice and support during this process can make a huge difference. In some cases, transitional protection is available, intended to ensure claimants are not worse off. This equips advisers with the knowledge to give advice on options and implications involved in moving from benefits and tax credits to UC.     

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This short course provides an introduction to benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland. It is aimed at advisers and other workers who have little or no knowledge of these benefits. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Designed for those new to benefits advice work, this two-morning online course provides an essential introduction to the benefits system.
Through CPAG’s collaboration with Disability Rights UK, this course is ideal for advisers looking to fully support clients who claim disability benefits. Participants will also gain an understanding of welfare benefits more generally, and how to help people maximise their income through benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Migrating legacy benefit claimants to universal credit has begun. How and when will this impact the clients/tenants you support? If they are entitled to transitional protection, when will this reduce or stop?

This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate the migration to universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The interaction of Universal Credit with student finance can be a difficult one.

Which students can claim, what they can claim and how student loans and grants affect those payments can be a complex area.

This course is primarily aimed at those who have a working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits system but who want to know about more how Universal Credit works for those in higher education. It will cover the essential facts that you need in order to give accurate advice, spot errors and keep updated on any recent changes.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This online training course will help ensure that ‘exceptional circumstances’ rules are properly applied using regulations, guidance and case law. This will mean more effective claims, revisions and appeals.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day course, held over two consecutive mornings, summarises how the PIP claim process or ‘journey’ works and the importance of the PIP2 questionnaire.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) claimants often have difficulties getting their Housing Costs element included in their claim and having the right amount paid on time.

This one-day 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 Housing Costs element and how to check payment amounts and dates. The course also covers how and when to apply for Alternative Payment Arrangements and direct deductions for rent arrears, and relevant regulations for challenging administrative errors.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This training course focuses on Universal Credit (UC), the centre piece of the Government’s welfare reform programme. Universal Credit is now at ‘full roll out’ across the UK and applies to working age claimants whether they are in work or not. UC comes with a reputation for delays and problems relating to poor decision-making, as well as difficulties arising from the UC computer system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Older people commonly do not claim all that they are entitled to. This course provides an introduction to pension credit and aims to help you with effective benefit checks to maximise income.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This essential one-day course, held over two mornings, is aimed at non-benefit staff and volunteers working with people for whom benefits are an issue.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to the benefits and tax credits system and enables staff to complete basic income maximisation checks on behalf of clients, tenants and service users.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This training course looks at how to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal should work. If the PIP challenge is done well, there is an additional 20% chance the DWP will ‘lapse’ the appeal in the claimant’s favour before it even reaches a judge, meaning that many claimants will not have to wait 6 months or so before having to go through a formal PIP hearing. Everything then depends on getting these PIP challenges done accurately and efficiently. This means the full use of available PIP regulations, case law and guidance.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly.

Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on regulations and caselaw, this essential two-morning course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This online training course looks at how best to optimise WCA challenges by focusing on essential regulations and case law messages. We will help you identify the correct entitlement and also examine why DWP assessment mistakes may have arisen. Knowing this will help strengthen appeals you assist with.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The interaction of Universal Credit with student finance can be a difficult one.

Which students can claim, what they can claim and how student loans and grants affect those payments can be a complex area.

This course is primarily aimed at those who have a working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits system but who want to know about more how Universal Credit works for those in higher education. It will cover the essential facts that you need in order to give accurate advice, spot errors and keep updated on any recent changes.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course provides a practical and tactical look at working with people with mental health diagnoses to help secure full entitlement to benefits and avoid some of the pitfalls of the system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is aimed at frontline advisers helping UC claimants into work.

It provides an understanding of how earnings from employment and self-employment affect UC entitlement. Will everyone be better off in work?

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes. This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of UC and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how the universal credit (UC) ‘Complex Needs’ rules work, who is covered and what this should mean for UC claimants. It also covers how you can ensure the DWP recognises ‘Complex Needs’ status.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The requirement to have a right to reside for key benefits such as universal credit, continues to be the most significant barrier to EEA nationals accessing these benefits.  However, increasingly advisers also need to understand how the immigration status of EEA nationals arriving in the UK more recently can affect their entitlement to the main benefits.

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day introductory level course - delivered over four one-hour modules, across two consecutive mornings - provides an overview of the benefits system and examines how the system is affected by the introduction of universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is essential for anyone who wants to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) effectively. The main aim of the course is to give you an understanding of what is an error of law, and practice in finding errors of law in the First-tier Tribunal statement of reasons.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is for people who want to learn how to use QBC (the Quick Benefits Calculator) effectively and confidently. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many Legacy claimants are better off delaying a move to UC, but others should consider switching ASAP. The right choice may be complicated and advisers should not depend on a simple ‘better off’ calculation. This course considers best practice, and looks for a more systematic approach.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how PIP entitlement ‘points’ can be scored if you show you cannot do something ‘reliably’.
In this way, understanding reliability regulation 4(2A) is vital to your understanding of who qualifies for PIP, and accordingly how you can support PIP claims and appeals.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Make sure you know how recent benefit changes are likely to affect students. This course is for advisers with a good working knowledge of the benefits system as it applies to students, and mainly updates advisers on changes, rather than on existing rules.    

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to navigating the “decision based system” of benefit entitlements set out in Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1998. This will help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Some claimants receiving ‘Legacy’ benefits under the old rules may elect to ‘jump ship’ early onto UC because they think it is better for them, or because they have been encouraged to do so by the DWP or other officials. This can result in winners and losers, with no way back.

Other Legacy claimants are sitting tight, waiting for a UC ‘migration’ letter from the DWP that will propel them into UC, at the risk of losing all their Legacy benefits if they fail to comply.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day course, held over two consecutive mornings, summarises how the PIP claim process or ‘journey’ works and the importance of the PIP2 questionnaire.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course provides a basic overview of social security benefits, and which further and higher education students in Scotland might be able to claim them.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day standard level course provides a practical and tactical look at working with people with mental health diagnoses to help secure full entitlement to benefits, and to help avoid some of the pitfalls of the system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Advisers can find it difficult and intimidating to advise non-European nationals on how their immigration status affects entitlement to benefits. 

This standard level course offers an opportunity for advisers to gain knowledge and confidence by taking a step-by-step approach, and looking in-depth at how the rules apply to different scenarios.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The welfare benefits system is complicated and confusing, both to claimants and those whose responsibility it is to support them. Claimants are largely expected to know their rights, although it is clear that most do not. Thousands of millions of pounds is under claimed every year leading to severe hardship, including rent arrears and other indebtedness.

This training course is intended to help those new to helping claimants with social security queries, and to increase awareness of the key welfare benefits available to new and established claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day Basic level course is aimed at those supporting women fleeing from domestic abuse. The course is suitable for those with little or no benefit knowledge.

Many women fleeing domestic violence will need to claim benefits in their own right, and for the majority of cases that will be universal credit (UC), especially if they have children.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Adult disability payment (ADP) is a new Scottish benefit aimed at supporting working-age adults who have extra care needs or mobility difficulties because of a disability. It replaces personal independence payment in Scotland. Getting an award of ADP can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for advisers and others to know about. This introductory level course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The requirement to have a right to reside for key benefits such as universal credit, remains a significant barrier preventing many EEA nationals accessing these benefits.  In addition, the immigration status restrictions pose a separate barrier, which affects increasing numbers of EEA nationals in the UK.  The law affecting the entitlements of EEA nationals continues to evolve and, to most effectively assist EEA nationals, it is vital that advisers keep up to date. 

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to navigating the “decision based system” of benefit entitlements set out in Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1998. This will help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Designed for those new to benefits advice work, this two-morning online course provides an essential introduction to the benefits system.
Through CPAG’s collaboration with Disability Rights UK, this course is ideal for advisers looking to fully support clients who claim disability benefits. Participants will also gain an understanding of welfare benefits more generally, and how to help people maximise their income through benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at the universal credit (UC) rules that particularly affect ill or disabled people.  It will equip you to advise clients about the transfer to UC, covering transitional rules for those coming from legacy benefits. 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

There are two new Scottish disability benefits: child disability payment and adult disability payment. These replace disability living allowance (DLA) and personal independence payment (PIP) for people who live in Scotland. This course will help you advise confidently with an understanding of which rules are different or new, how the transfer process works, tactics when there is an existing appeal, and more.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This is essential training if you are starting out as a welfare rights adviser in Scotland or need a good understanding of the benefits system. It introduces you to the social security system and important concepts to help you maximise benefit entitlement. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the core benefits and assessments involved in welfare rights advice – universal credit, the assessment of limited capability for work and the assessment of adult disability payment. You will learn how to maximise entitlement and deal with problems.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This training course focuses on Universal Credit (UC), the centre piece of the Government’s welfare reform programme. Universal Credit is now at ‘full roll out’ across the UK and applies to working age claimants whether they are in work or not. UC comes with a reputation for delays and problems relating to poor decision-making, as well as difficulties arising from the UC computer system.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Older people commonly do not claim all that they are entitled to. This course provides an introduction to pension credit and aims to help you with effective benefit checks to maximise income.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This essential one-day course, held over two mornings, is aimed at non-benefit staff and volunteers working with people for whom benefits are an issue.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to the benefits and tax credits system and enables staff to complete basic income maximisation checks on behalf of clients, tenants and service users.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly. Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on caselaw, this essential one-day course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This short course provides an introduction to benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland. It is aimed at advisers and other workers who have little or no knowledge of benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at how limited capability for work rules affect universal credit. The outcome of the work capability assessment has a crucial role in determining claimants’ work-related requirements as well as the amount of money they get.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes. This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of universal credit and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Build your skills with this practical course on effective legal research for benefit casework. Competent casework starts by knowing the right questions to ask your client. Whether you are helping clients decide on the right course of action or supporting them with an appeal, the facts relevant to the case depend on the law. This course is an essential guide to finding the relevant law online.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Most people will claim a social security benefit at some point in their lives. This course is for anyone new to helping people navigate their way through the benefits system or who want an overview of the system. The course gives an introduction to the benefits system looking at what it is, who it is for and how it all fits together.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how the PIP claim process works and the importance of the PIP2 questionnaire. It looks at what makes a good PIP claim, and how it can be optimised using the regulations, guidance and case law.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is for people who want to learn how use QBC effectively and confidently.

Many advisers work with students in both further and higher education. This course explains the different benefits that further and higher education students can claim, in particular universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course focuses on the transitional issues for claimants who are moving from legacy benefits and tax credits to universal credit (UC). It is expected that claimants in Scotland will begin to be moved to UC under the managed migration process during 2023. Giving the right advice and support during this process can make a huge difference. In some cases, transitional protection is available, intended to ensure claimants are not worse off. This course is intended to equip advisers with the knowledge to give advice on the options and implications involved in moving from benefits and tax credits to UC.   
 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This one-day introductory level course - delivered over four one-hour modules, across two consecutive mornings - provides an overview of the benefits system and examines how the system is affected by the introduction of universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

If you need to get a universal credit or other benefit decision changed, this course aims to gives you the essential knowledge to do it. To successfully challenge a decision, knowing what type of decision to ask for can make all the difference. This might be a mandatory reconsideration, a revision or a supersession. In some cases complaints, disputes or judicial reviews might be the appropriate course of action.

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Migrating legacy benefit claimants to universal credit has begun. How and when will this impact the clients/tenants you support? If they are entitled to transitional protection, when will this reduce or stop?

This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate the migration to universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many Legacy claimants are better off delaying a move to UC, but others should consider switching ASAP. The right choice may be complicated and advisers should not depend on a simple ‘better off’ calculation. This course considers best practice, and looks for a more systematic approach.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many advisers work with students in both further and higher education. This course explains the different benefits that further and higher education students can claim, including universal credit.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Child disability payment (CDP) is a new Scottish benefit that helps meet the additional needs of disabled children. It replaces disability living allowance (DLA) for children living in Scotland.

This course gives a practical insight into the main CDP rules. It will equip you with the skills to demonstrate how a child meets the qualifying criteria and to make effective claims.  The course also considers what to do if the client is not happy with the outcome of a claim.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

You do not need to be a benefit expert to make a difference. This course is for anyone working with people on low incomes or with additional needs. You will learn the basics of social security and be able to identify which benefits are available to the people you work with. You will understand the key life events that can have an impact on benefit entitlement and recognise when someone should make a new claim or report a change in circumstances.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

‘Kinship care’ is the situation in which a child goes to live with a member of their extended family or with a family friend. This course looks at benefit issues that arise for kinship carers. It provides an opportunity to consider local authorities’ responsibilities in relation to kinship care assistance and a chance to look at what universal credit means for kinship carers and for local authorities.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at the universal credit (UC) rules that particularly affect ill or disabled people.  It will equip you to advise clients about the transfer to UC, covering transitional rules for those coming from legacy benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Make sure you know how recent benefit changes are likely to affect students. This half-day course is for advisers with a good working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits systems as they apply to students, and mainly updates advisers on changes, rather than on existing rules.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes. This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of universal credit and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

You do not need to be a benefit expert to make a difference. This course is for anyone working with people on low incomes or with additional needs. You will learn the basics of social security and be able to identify which benefits are available to the people you work with. You will understand the key life events that can have an impact on benefit entitlement and recognise when someone should make a new claim or report a change in circumstances.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Not having too much ‘capital’ is a basic condition to get universal credit. Capital can include property, savings, investments and lump sum payments. Advising correctly on how capital affects entitlement depends on identifying whether it can be disregarded and what value it has. Capital can even affect entitlement when people no longer have it.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Advisers can find it difficult and intimidating to advise non-European nationals on how their immigration status affects entitlement to benefits and tax credits. This standard level course offers an opportunity for advisers to gain knowledge and confidence by taking a step-by-step approach and looking in-depth look at how the rules apply to different scenarios.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at the universal credit (UC) rules that particularly affect ill or disabled people.  It will equip you to advise clients about the transfer to UC, covering transitional rules for those coming from legacy benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Child disability payment (CDP) is a new Scottish benefit that helps meet the additional needs of disabled children. It will start being rolled out during 2021. This course gives you a practical insight into the main CDP rules for children and an understanding of how you can demonstrate that a child meets the qualifying criteria. This course also covers how and when children will be able to claim CDP and how the roll out will affect children who already get disability living allowance which CDP is replacing.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Make sure you know how recent benefit changes are likely to affect students. This half-day course is for advisers with a good working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits systems as they apply to students, and mainly updates advisers on changes, rather than on existing rules.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This interactive and practical course is designed to increase your skills and confidence if you are new to training, and to enable you to update and refresh your style and methods if you are a more experienced trainer.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Many young people who have been ‘looked after’ by the local authority are affected by special social security rules. Some are excluded from income-related benefits like universal credit and instead the local authority is responsible for supporting them. Some are entitled to a ‘care-experienced bursary’. This course looks at the special benefit rules for this group of young people and provides the opportunity to consider other support available.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is for people who want to learn how use QBC effectively and confidently.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course focuses on the transitional issues for claimants who are moving from legacy benefits and tax credits to universal credit (UC). Giving the right advice about whether someone needs to claim UC or when to claim can make a huge difference. In some cases, transitional protection is available, intended to ensure claimants are not worse off. This course is intended to equip advisers with the knowledge to give advice on the options and implications involved in moving from benefits and tax credits to UC.  
 

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Build your skills with this practical course on effective legal research for benefit casework. Competent casework starts by knowing the right questions to ask your client. Whether you are helping clients decide on the right course of action or supporting them with an appeal, the facts relevant to the case depend on the law. This course is a guide to finding the relevant law online, essential for anyone working at home without access to the usual resources.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

If you need to get a universal credit or other benefit decision changed, this course aims to gives you the essential knowledge to do it. To successfully challenge a decision, knowing what type of decision to ask for can make all the difference. This might be a mandatory reconsideration, a revision or a supersession. In some cases complaints, disputes or judicial reviews might be the appropriate course of action.

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course looks at how limited capability for work rules affect universal credit. The outcome of the work capability assessment has a crucial role in determining claimants’ work-related requirements as well as the amount of money they get.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course is for people who want to learn how use QBC effectively and confidently.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals and their family members in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Benefit may be overpaid for many reasons and recovery often leaves people in hardship. Using practical examples, this course equips you to deal with overpayments by taking a systematic approach to checking and challenging recoverability, with a particular emphasis on the importance of establishing the significance of claimant or official error for each of the different benefits administered by DWP, local authorities and HMRC.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly. Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on caselaw, this essential one-day course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The interaction of Universal Credit with student finance can be a difficult one.

Which students can claim, what they can claim and how student loans and grants affect those payments can be a complex area.

This course is primarily aimed at those who have a working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits system but who want to know about more how Universal Credit works for those in higher education. It will cover the essential facts that you need in order to give accurate advice, spot errors and keep updated on any recent changes.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This is essential training if you are starting out as a welfare rights adviser or need a good understanding of the benefits system. It introduces you to the social security system and important concepts to help you maximise benefit entitlement. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the core benefits and assessments involved in welfare rights advice – universal credit, the personal independence payment assessment and the assessment of limited capability for work – learning how to maximise entitlement and deal with problems. You will also learn who gets the ‘legacy benefits’ that universal credit is replacing and about the transfer process.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This short course provides an introduction to benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland. It is aimed at advisers and other workers who have little or no knowledge of benefits.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Attendance allowance (AA) is the main disability benefit for people who have reached pension age. Getting an award of AA can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for older people. This course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled. The course is aimed at advisers with little or no experience of AA.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

The welfare benefits system is complicated and confusing, both to claimants and those whose responsibility it is to support them. Claimants are largely expected to know their rights, although it is clear that most do not. Thousands of millions of pounds is under claimed every year leading to severe hardship, including rent arrears and other indebtedness.

This training course is intended to help those new to helping claimants with social security queries, and to increase awareness of the key welfare benefits available to new and established claimants.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Universal credit (UC) claimants often have difficulties getting their Housing Costs element included in their claim and having the right amount paid on time.

This one-day 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 Housing Costs element and how to check payment amounts and dates. The course also covers how and when to apply for Alternative Payment Arrangements and direct deductions for rent arrears, and relevant regulations for challenging administrative errors.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

A range of new support has been introduced for children in Scotland alongside the UK system in recent years. The new Scottish child payment is available to an estimated 194,000 children in Scotland, but a concerted effort will be needed to maximise take-up. Best Start grants and Best Start foods can make a big difference in the early years. In most cases, qualifying for these devolved benefits depends on securing entitlement to UK benefits, which remain the primary source of support. While new Scottish payments will help reduce child poverty, some families in Scotland may see their overall income reduced by the two child limit and benefit cap rules in UK benefits. This course provides an overview of the support available from pregnancy to school age.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

Most people will claim a social security benefit at some point in their lives. This course is for anyone new to helping people navigate their way through the benefits system or who want an overview of the system. The course gives an introduction to the benefits system looking at what it is, who it is for and how it all fits together.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.  

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This course gives an overview of benefits and tax credits that students can claim. It helps student advisers recognise when these are relevant for students, and advise them appropriately.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how the universal credit (UC) ‘Complex Needs’ rules work, who is covered and what this should mean for UC claimants. It also covers how you can ensure the DWP recognises ‘Complex Needs’ status.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more

This half-day online training course explains how PIP entitlement ‘points’ can be scored if you show you cannot do something ‘reliably’. In this way, understanding reliability regulation 4 is vital to your understanding of who qualifies for PIP, and accordingly how you can support PIP claims and appeals.

Interested in booking this course? Please click here  to find out more