Universal Credit & Work

This practical half-day course provides a clear overview of the main rules affecting people who work while claiming Universal Credit – including earnings, work capability issues, carers and child carers, passported benefits and practical advice for people moving into work for the first time or after a long period out of work.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course participants will:

  • Understand how employed and self-employed earnings affect Universal Credit, including the work allowance, taper rate and assessment period rules.
  • Know when work capability issues may arise for a claimant who is in work, and recognise the main situations where further advice may be needed.
  • Be aware of how work can affect the elements of Universal Credit, including key issues affecting carers and claimants with children who incur childcare costs.
  • Be aware of the main passported benefits and related entitlements that may be available to someone receiving Universal Credit while in work.
  • Be able to give practical advice to people moving into work for the first time or returning to work after a lengthy period of unemployment.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 15 minute break halfway through.

Intended audience
This course is for advisers, support workers and others who need a practical understanding of how Universal Credit works for people in employment or preparing to start work. Some prior knowledge of benefits is helpful and you should consider attending our Introduction to Welfare Benefits course before attending this course. 

Certificates & post course support
Participants will receive an e-certificate for completing the course (3 hours) of any complete BTC course. This also guarantees eligibility to access our free 6 months post-course advice service (including priority entry to free webinars).

Course instructions
This online course is run over Zoom. In the week before the course, you will receive an email with Zoom link(s) and access the supporting materials. You will need to download (or print) the pack (and slides, if you wish) before each part of the course, unless you have selected a printed pack when booking.

Participants will need a good wifi connection and a suitable computer/laptop to access both the Zoom session and the pack throughout. You may wish to use a separate device for the pack (or split your screen) if you cannot or do not wish to print. We recommend participants log in a few minutes beforehand. You may also wish to have a pen and paper handy to make notes.