Universal Credit: Help to Claim
This course provides an overview of Universal Credit for Citizens Advice staff working on the Help to Claim project. There is a focus on helping people complete the Universal Credit claim and accessing support whilst waiting for the first payment.
By the end of the course participants will:
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Know who can claim Universal Credit;
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Be able to help people start and complete claims online including working through the ‘to dos’;
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Be able to help people verify their identity, provide additional evidence and understand how Universal Credit works;
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Be able to help people who need additional financial support;
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Have an awareness of how Universal Credit amounts are worked out;
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Understand work-related conditions in Universal Credit and how to avoid sanctions;
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Be able to answer simple questions regarding Universal Credit;
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Have access to advice regarding any Universal Credit question for 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. The online version of this course is taught as above but in 4 modules:
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Part 1: Eligibility & the rollout process
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Part 2: UC elements
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Part 3: The claims process
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Part 4: Checking the award
Suitable for
This course is suitable for advice centre staff and volunteers who work with claimants of working age. Participants should ideally have a working knowledge of the wider benefits system.