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.

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By the end of the course participants will:

• Know who can claim Universal Credit;

• Be able to help people start and complete claims online including working through the ‘to dos’;

• Be able to help people verify their identity, provide additional evidence and understand how Universal Credit works;

• Be able to help people who need additional financial support;

• Have an awareness of how Universal Credit amounts are worked out;

• Understand work-related conditions in Universal Credit and how to avoid sanctions;

• Be able to answer simple questions regarding Universal Credit;

• Have access to advice regarding any Universal Credit question for 12 months after the course.

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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:

• Part 1:  Eligibility & the rollout process

• Part 2:  UC elements

• Part 3:  The claims process

• 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.

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