Maximising Income for Tenants

This course enables housing staff to maximise income for their tenants. It considers a range of vulnerable groups including people leaving prison and hospital, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, and those affected by a health condition or disability. The course looks at the whole benefits system but has a focus on housing related payments and getting the rent paid.

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By the end of the course participants will:

• Be aware of the range of benefits that make up the benefits and tax credits system and who can claim them;

• Know when a tenant should claim housing related benefits through Universal Credit and when it should be Housing Benefit;

• Know when and how it is possible to fill gaps in the rent account by getting housing related benefits paid retrospectively;

• Be able to identify the correct package of benefits for tenants and help with the claims process;

• Be aware of the likely work requirements that affect different vulnerable client groups;

• Be able to trouble-shoot problems that typically affect tenants;

• Have access to the BTC advice service for 12 months after the course.

This is a practical course, suitable for Housing Options teams, housing officers and any staff involved in arrears management. It is delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, group work and exercises, case studies, group discussion and games.