Benefits for Older People

There are lots of opportunities to maximise income when working with an older person but the rules can be complex. This course looks at Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance as well as the interactions between them. 

Part 1: Pension Credit main eligibility rules / Pension Credit amounts

Aims
This part of the course looks at the eligibility rules for Pension Credit. It enables participants to identify who should claim Pension Credit. This part of the course goes on to look at the calculation for Pension Credit and how amounts for Pension Credit Guarantee are worked out.

Objectives
By the end of Part 1, participants will:

  • Understand who can claim Pension Credit Guarantee and who can claim Pension Credit Savings;
  • Understand the age rules for Pension Credit including an awareness of the rules for mixed age couples.
  • Be aware of the presence, residence and immigration rules and the typical problems that can affect claimants.
  • Understand how the appropriate minimum guarantee is calculated in Pension Credit Guarantee.
  • Recognise how different forms of income and capital affect Pension Credit and when a capital disregard might apply.
  • Have gained an understanding of how Pension Credit Guarantee is worked out.
  • Be aware of other important benefits for older people including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

Part 2: Attendance Allowance main eligibility rules / Attendance Allowance form filling

Aims
This part of the course teaches the main eligibility rules for Attendance Allowance and who should claim Attendance Allowance. This part of the course goes on to look at the disability criteria in Attendance Allowance and how to make effective applications.

Objectives
By the end of Part 2, participants will:

  • Understand the main eligibility rules for Attendance Allowance (AA).
  • Be aware of how AA is affected when a claimant enters hospital and other residential settings.
  • Understand the rates of pay in Attendance Allowance and how much people should get.
  • Be able to help people make effective applications on attention grounds.
  • Be able to help people make effective applications on supervision grounds.
  • Have gained effective techniques for filling out the Attendance Allowance application form.

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Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 20-30 minute break halfway through each part of the course.

Intended audience
This course is for staff working with people aged 66 and above. No previous experience is required, although a working knowledge of the wider benefits system is helpful.

Certificates & post course support
Participants will receive an e-certificate for completing both Parts 1&2 (6 hours) of any complete BTC course. This also guarantees eligibility to access our free 12 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.