Benefits for Students
Course aims
This one-day course explains the restrictions that affects students when claiming benefits. It looks at the student eligibility rules for a number of benefits as well as the effect of student funding on Universal Credit (UC).
Course objectives
By the end of the course participants will:
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Know who counts as a student when claiming benefits in both Further Education and Higher Education;
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Have gained an understanding of the different rules for students claiming a range of benefits including Income Support, Housing Benefit, health/disability benefits and Universal Credit.
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Understand how UC is calculated for students including the effect of different types of student income;
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Understand which students have to look for work whilst claiming Universal Credit and completing a course of education;
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Understand how UC awards for students are affected during the summer holidays and at the end of the course;
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Be able to advise students on their eligibility for UC and how much UC they are likely to get;
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Have access to the BTC advice service for up to 12 months after the course.
Methods of delivery
This is a practical course. It is delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, group work and exercises, case studies, group discussion and games. Participants should bring a basic calculator with them.
Suitable for
This course is relevant to anyone who works with students of working age. Participants should have a working knowledge of the wider benefits system.