Benefits for Young People
Over the last few years, new rules have been introduced to restrict entitlement to Universal Credit, particularly for young people who need more time to complete education. If you work with people between 16 and 25, this course is likely to be important.
Part 1: Overview of eligibility & restrictions / Young people who are in education
Aims
This part of the course introduces the main issues affecting young people aged 16 to 25 when claiming benefits. It also considers eligibility for Universal Credit when a young person is in education.
Objectives
By the end of this part of the course participants will:
- Have an understanding of the benefits which have restrictions for young people and those which do not
- Be aware of the basic eligibility conditions for Universal Credit and the possible better off scenarios that can affect young people and their parent/carer when transitioning from childhood to adulthood
- Be aware of restrictions that can affect young people who have been in the care of the local authority
- Have an understanding of when rent costs for a young person should be met by Universal Credit and when they should be met by Housing Benefit.
- Understand the definitions for receiving education in Universal Credit
- Know when a young person in education is eligible for Universal Credit
- Be aware of the Universal Credit rules affecting young people in education of different ages and at different stages
- Be able to advise young people in education on their eligibility for Universal Credit
Part 2: Establishing limited capability for work/ Young people who are not in education
Aims
This part of the course looks at the Work Capability Assessment and how to help a young person qualify for Universal Credit when in education. It also considers the restrictions for young people when they are not in education.
Objectives
By the end of this part of the course participants will:
- Be able to help a young person in education establish limited capability for work in order to become eligible for Universal Credit
- Have an awareness of how Universal Credit can be affected by student income
- Understand the benefits restrictions that affect young people who are not in education
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 20-30 minute break halfway through each part of the course.
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.