Benefits for Young People

This course provides frontline staff with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the benefits system for young people aged 16–25, ensuring they receive all entitlements and support possible.

Overview & Universal Credit (UC) restrictions / UC restrictions continued & rent costs issues  

Aims
The first part of this course focusses on the restrictions in Universal Credit for young people aged 16–21. It goes on to consider the restrictions for young people aged 21-25 and the issues that affect most young people in respect of rent costs. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this part of the course participants will:

  • Be able to identify which benefits have additional rules for young people and explain their implications.
  • Know when rent costs for a young person should be met by Universal Credit (UC) and when they should be met by Housing Benefit (HB). 
  • Be able to analyse and resolve UC eligibility issues at key transition ages (16-18, 18-21, and up to 25).
  • Be able to identify the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) restrictions that apply to young people, and explain the exemptions and special rules that may increase their housing support.
  • Be able to determine when a non-dependant deduction or housing costs contribution should apply in respect of a young person, and advise when these deductions should not be made.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. This is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with supporting material including PowerPoint slides and a comprehensive training pack for reference.

Intended audience
This course is for staff who work with young people. A working knowledge of benefits is assumed. If participants are new to benefits it may be advisable to first attend our introduction to benefits course. 

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.