2013/14Welfare rights training

Training Programme

CPAG promotes action for the prevention and relief of poverty among children and families with children. To achieve this, CPAG aims to raise awareness of the causes, extent, nature and impact of poverty, and strategies for its eradication and prevention; bring about positive policy changes for families with children in poverty; and enable those eligible for income maintenance to have access to their full entitlement. If you are not already supporting us, please consider making a donation, or ask for details of our membership schemes. Further details can be found towards the back of this programme.

CPAG

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Child Poverty Action Group94 White Lion StreetLondon N1 9PF

Tel:020 7837 7979

Fax:020 7837 6414

Training Tel:020 7812 5228

Training and room hire:training@cpag.org.uk

Publications enquiries:bookorders@cpag.org.uk

Membership:membership@cpag.org.uk

Contact CPAG

Nearest underground stationAngel tube, Northern Line

Buses4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 73 and 476 all stop near to CPAG.

Trains Kings Cross mainline station is a 15-minute walk from CPAG.

Advice lineCPAG gives advice about welfare benefits and tax credits to people who are advising the public. If you are an adviser you can telephone our advice line on 020 7833 4627.

The advice line is open Monday to Thursday between 2pm and 4pm and on Fridays from 10am until noon.

White Lion St.

Pentonville Rd.

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Claremont Cl.

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ContentsFees and booking information 4

Course times and accreditation details 5

Training venue 7

Training courses 8

Tax credits – the essentials 9

What’s new – welfare reform 10

Calendar of courses 20–21

Basic courses

Benefits for non-benefit advisers 11

Universal credit – the essentials 11

Introductory courses

Introduction to welfare rights 12–13

Introduction to benefits for ill-health 14

Introduction to benefits for disabled people 14

Income maximisation for older people 15

Training for welfare rights trainers 15

Dealing with debt 16

Standard courses

Employment and support allowance appeals 17

Benefits for young people 17

Disability living allowance for children 18

Housing benefit problem areas 18

Universal credit 19

Personal independence payment 22

Benefits for people subject to immigration control 23

Right to reside and habitual residence 24

Conditionality and sanctions 25

Mental health and benefits 26

Overpayment of benefit 26

Representing at the First-tier Tribunal 27

Using legislation and caselaw 27

Tax credits – appeals, overpayments and complaints 28

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Experienced courses

Tribunal rules 29

Appeals to the Upper Tribunal 30

Judicial review 31

Benefit and tax credit law update 32

In-house courses 33–34

CPAG training in Scotland 35

Booking form 39

Trainers Inside back cover

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Fees and booking information

In-house courses Please contact us on 020 7812 5228 to discuss your training needs and for a quote. See page 33 for further information.

Voluntary Other organisations organisations

One day £115.00 £165.00Two day £190.00 £267.00Week long £340.00 £488.00Half day £78.00 £110.00

Cancellations If for any reason you need to cancel the booking, the following cancellation fees apply.

n If you cancel more than 28 days from the course date, a £25 cancellation fee will apply.

n If you cancel more than 14 days from the course date, 50% of the course fee will be charged.

n If you cancel within 14 days of the course date, you will be charged the full course fee.

Cancellations should be made in writing to training@cpag.org.uk.

Booking Bookings can be submitted online from our website www.cpag.org.uk/training. Alternatively, please complete the booking form at the back of this programme and return it to:

The Training and Events Team, CPAG, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF.

Or phone 020 7812 5202/228Or fax 020 7837 6414Or email training@cpag.org.uk

Please indicate on the booking form if you require an invoice (organisations only) or are enclosing payment with your booking.

On receipt of a booking form and subject to places being available, an invoice/receipt will be issued which confirms the booking.

Joining instructions Course information will be sent to participants approximately two weeks after booking. Occasionally, there are not enough participants to make a course viable and, in this situation, CPAG reserves the right to cancel a course. If you are booking travel arrangements, but have not received a confirmation letter, please call the office to check if your course is running.

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Course timesTraining courses usually run from 10am – 4.30pm with tea and coffee available from 9.45am. We do not provide lunch but CPAG is ideally located close to a number of cafés and sandwich shops.

Please note: CPAG’s office is not open before 9am.

Law Society accreditationAll our courses are Law Society accredited and carry continuing professional development (CPD) hours, so are suitable for solicitors (and anyone who needs to satisfy the requirements in the Legal Services Commission’s Quality Mark). Please quote our reference CPD/KX/CPAG.

Our courses are also approved by The Institute of Legal Executives and the Family Mediation Council.

Bar Standards Board accreditationIn order to maintain and enhance the quality of legal services that they offer, barristers need to update and develop specialist areas of knowledge and ensure that their skills are regularly refreshed.

Most of our courses are Bar Standards Board accredited and carry CPD hours.If you wish to claim CPD hours for Bar Standards Board accreditation, please indicate this on your booking form and ensure that you complete the Bar Council register provided when you attend the course.

Charge for CPD accreditationThere is an additional charge of £25 for anyone claiming CPD accreditation from any of the above recognised bodies.

General Social Care CouncilSocial workers are required to provide evidence of ongoing learning and development to maintain their registration status. We understand from the General Social Care Council (GSCC) guidance that our courses are appropriate for ongoing learning and can be counted. Social workers may choose to count CPAG courses towards the GSCC requirement to undertake 90 hours or 15 days of training to advance their professional development over each three-year period of registration.

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National occupational standardsNational occupational standards (NOS) have been developed for the legal advice sector following consultation with those working in the sector. They outline the knowledge and skills needed to deliver advice.

NOS are divided into units. There are units which describe the standards of performance expected of advisers, regardless of any specialist area of law in which they may be working (LA units 1–30). There are units which describe the knowledge required when working in a particular area, such as welfare rights, or with a particular client group, such as students (LA units 31–62). You can find all NOS, including the legal advice NOS, at www.ukstandards.co.uk.

Our courses cover the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate meeting the NOS, and we have mapped our courses against the NOS. Under each course we have indicated the most relevant unit to which the course relates. Please see our website www.cpag.org.uk for more information and links to the NOS units. The units we refer to in this programme are as follows:

LA1 Establish communication with clientsLA2 Support clients to make use of the serviceLA3 Develop and manage interviews with clientsLA10 Provide and receive referrals on behalf of clientsLA24 Influence changes to legislation, policy or practiceLA36 Provision of advice to young people on their rights under the lawLA37 Firstline mental health legal adviceLA41 Firstline money and debt legal adviceLA42 Money and debt legal advice and caseworkLA45 Firstline employment legal adviceLA49 Firstline welfare rights legal adviceLA50 Welfare rights legal advice and caseworkLA51 Firstline health and community care legal adviceLA53 Firstline legal advice for studentsLA54 Legal advice and casework for studentsLA57 Firstline immigration advice LA58 Immigration legal advice and caseworkL10 Enable learning through presentationsL4 Design learning programmes

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VenueAll our courses are held at CPAG’s office unless stated otherwise.

Our specially designed training rooms are fully accessible for wheelchair users, and provide a pleasant and comfortable, climate-controlled training environment.We are able to provide space for parking if this is essential for your access. If this is this case, please contact us in advance of the course. We regret that we are unable to provide parking facilities for any other reasons as space is very limited.

Both our training rooms are equipped with an induction loop and we are able to offer our course packs in large print or Braille. Please indicate on your booking form if you have any additional needs. We would be pleased to discuss any needs you have and will endeavour to accommodate them.

If you have any comments about access to the building or experience any difficulties, please contact the Training and Events Team on 020 7812 5202/236.

For training courses available in Glasgow, see page 35.

CPAG’s online information servicesOur online services bring you comprehensive in-depth information on welfare benefits, tax credits and child support. Visit the online services homepage (http://onlineservices.cpag.org.uk) for more information on the packages and see the latest updates.

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Training coursesCPAG’s experience in the welfare rights field is renowned. Our handbooks are the definitive guides for those working in advice, support and advocacy nationwide. We have used this experience to inform and design the courses in this training programme.

Level of course It is important that you choose the right level of course. We grade them at four levels.

Basic

Introductory

Standard

For frontline workers who do not work specifically in welfare rights, but who want to know about the benefit issues relevant to their clients in order to give basic advice or refer on. See page 11.

For people new to benefit advice work, or who have little or no experience of the subject covered by the course. See pages 12–16.

For people with a working knowledge of the benefits system, or the subject covered by the course. These courses are suitable for people wanting a refresher, or to update skills or information. See pages 17–19.

Experienced

For more experienced benefit advisers who are confident about covering issues in more, and sometimes complex, detail. See pages 29–32.

CPAG is offering free cascade training on tax credits to frontline workers whose clients are claiming tax credits. It aims to equip you to help clients avoid problems with their claims and maximise entitlement. Participants on the course do not need any prior knowledge of tax credits.

CPAG has produced the training materials to enable trainers or experienced welfare rights workers to train frontline workers. We will provide you with the training materials, a trainer’s pack and a trainees’ pack. The trainees’ pack contains all the material you need to deliver the course, including material to give to the trainees during the course. These materials are provided by email for you to download and copy.

The course is fully updated to include any recent changes to tax credits.

To deliver the course, you will need to be a trainer or welfare rights worker with a good knowledge of tax credits. The course Tax credits – the essentials is designed to last three hours in total with one 15-minute break. It involves participants by using exercises, discussions and visual display, as well as PowerPoint slides. The trainer’s notes in your trainer’s pack take you through the suggested order of topics and exercises. The notes detail the information to deliver the course exercises and explain how they are intended to work.

For more information, contact Kelly Smith ksmith@cpag.org.uk

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Tax credits – the essentials

Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook2013/14(£45)

The benefits system is changing in 2013 with the introduction of universal credit and personal independence payment, and a whole range of other reforms. To help you get ready for the new system, we have developed a series of new training courses.

• For advisers with a working knowledge of the benefits system Get up to date by booking on these courses:

Personal independence payment (page 22) Universal credit (page 19) Benefits for young people (page 17)

• For frontline staff who do not work specifically in welfare rights Find out how your clients will be affected by welfare reforms by booking on these courses:

Universal credit – the essentials (page 11)

Check our website www.cpag.org.uk for full details of in-house courses and training packages on welfare reform for local authorities and other organisations.

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What’s new – welfare reform

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2-day course

Basic

1-day course

Basic

Benefits for non-benefit advisers Code LDNB0113 Date 11th & 12th April 2013Code LDNB0213 Date 24th & 25th February 2014

This two-day course is aimed at professionals who work with low-income clients. It is for those who will not be advising on benefits themselves (eg, social workers, supported housing workers, day centre staff) but want to support clients to maximise their income and signpost at the right time for more advice.

The course covers:n Benefits available to different client groups n Structure of the benefits and tax credits system n Basic benefit checks n How to claim and who to contactn Dealing with problemsn Signposting for more help

Level Basic Tutor David Stickland Time 10am – 4.30pm CPD 10 hours NOS LA49 and LA10

Universal credit – the essentialsCode LDUC0513 Date 21st November 2013Code LDUC0813 Date 18th March 2014

Universal credit is being introduced gradually from October 2013. This practical course is aimed at professionals who work with low-income clients. It is for those who will not be advising on benefits themselves (eg, social workers, housing workers, employability staff), but want to know how universal credit will affect their clients, and how to maximise income and signpost at the right time for more advice.

The course covers:n What is universal credit and when is it being introducedn Who can get itn How to claim and how it is paidn Basic benefit checks – including amounts for rent and mortgage

paymentsn How to avoid and deal with sanctionsn Dealing with problemsn Signposting for more help

This course is aimed at those with no previous benefit knowledge.

Level Basic Tutor David Simmons Time 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA49

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Introduction to welfare rights Code LDWR0113 Date 14th–18th October 2013

This five-day course gives you a thorough introduction to means-tested benefits, including universal credit and tax credits. It is essential for anyone starting off as a welfare rights adviser and those who need an understanding of the benefits system. The emphasis is on looking at issues affecting entitlement, practising benefit calculations through case studies and using the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook.

A complimentary copy of CPAG’s Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook and a certificate are given to those completing all five days of the course.

The course covers:

Day one (Steve Johnson)Benefits overviewThis day gives you an overview of the benefits and tax credits system and an outline of welfare reforms. You will practice problem solving using the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook. It includes a description of means-tested and non-means-tested benefits and tax credits, explains how benefits work together and outlines how claims are made.

Day two (David Stickland)Working-age benefits – eligibilityThis day looks at who is eligible for the working-age benefits: income support (IS), jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), employment and support allowance (ESA) and housing benefit (HB). Through case studies, exercises and presentations, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the eligibility rules in detail. It gives an outline of the claims process for benefits, including the ESA medical assessment.

Day three (David Stickland)Working-age benefits – amountsThis day gives you the skills you need to be able to work out how much IS, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or HB someone is entitled to. You will learn about the allowances, premiums and components that make up these benefits, and how income and capital affect entitlement. Much of the learning is through practical examples and case studies.

5-day course

Introductory

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Day four (Aida Shoush)Tax credits – moving to universal creditThis day looks at who is eligible for tax credits, how to claim and how decisions are made. It will help you understand how awards are made up so you can check payments. You will go on to learn about the benefit cap and how this affects household benefit entitlement. In 2013 the working-age benefits system begins the transition to universal credit (UC). Advisers will need to understand both systems and know which applies. You will end this day with an introduction to the new system and a look at how UC will be rolled out across the country.

Day five (Edward Graham)Universal creditThis day gives you the skills you need to advise on UC as it begins to be introduced in 2013. Using case studies and examples, you will learn about who is eligible, about the elements that make up an award, how to claim and how UC is paid.

We give priority to those booking all five days. But you can book single days if there are places available four weeks before the course.

This course does not deal with non-means-tested benefits, except to give an understanding of the structure of the system. We recommend the companion introductory courses, Introduction to benefits for disabled people and Introduction to benefits for ill-health (see page 14).

Level Introductory Tutors Steve Johnson, David Stickland, Aida Shoush and Edward Graham Time 10am – 4.30pm CPD 25 hoursNOS LA49

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Introduction to benefits for ill-health

Code LDBH0113 Date 22nd November 2013

Employment and support allowance (ESA) is for people who are sick or disabled and who are unable to work. Assuming little or no previous experience of ESA, this course provides an introduction to the benefit the medical assessments.

The course covers:n Who is entitled to ESAn How the work capability assessment worksn An introduction to work-related activityn An introduction to challenging decisionsn An overview of the statutory sick pay systemn How universal credit will provide for people who are unable to work

This course complements Introduction to benefits for disabled people on 6th November 2013. These courses can be booked together as a two-day course. For more experienced advisers, see Employment and support allowance appeals (page 17).

Level Introductory Tutor Rebecca Walker Time 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

Introduction to benefits for disabled people

Code LDBD0113 Date 6th November 2013

This full-day course introduces personal independence payment (PIP) and attendance allowance (AA), both important benefits for many people with disabilities. The course also covers disability living allowance (DLA) for adults. This introductory course is aimed at advisers with little or no experience of these benefits. It will get you up to speed with the main rules and help you deal with common problems.

The course covers:n Who is entitled to AA, PIP and DLA n How to claim n Transfers from DLA to PIP

This course complements Introduction to benefits for ill-health.

Level Introductory Tutor CPAG Time 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA49

1-day course

Introductory

1-day course

Introductory

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Income maximisation for older people

Code LDMP0113 Date 4th December 2013

Older people commonly do not claim all the benefits to which they are entitled. This course gives you an introduction to pension credit (PC), the key means-tested benefit, and will help you with effective benefit checks to maximise people’s income.

The course covers:n Who is eligible for PC n How to work out PC entitlement n Claiming and getting paid n Benefit checks for older people and ways to maximise income n How attendance allowance and carer’s allowance affect PCn How welfare reform affects benefits for older people

Level Introductory Tutor Steve JohnsonTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA49

Training for welfare rights trainersCode LDTT0113 Date 18th & 19th June 2013

This popular two-day course aims to increase the skills and confidence of those new to training, and allow more experienced trainers to look at their style and methods. It does not look at the detail of welfare rights, but focuses on how to train others.

It covers:n How adults learnn How to design a coursen Making welfare rights interesting and holding people’s attentionn Styles, methods and techniques that get information acrossn Dealing with difficult situations and peoplen Making presentations, and using visual aids and written materials

effectively

An essential course for any benefits trainer.

Level Introductory Tutor Louise ShepherdTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS L10 and L4

1-day course

Introductory

1-day course

Introductory

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Dealing with debtCode LDDD0113 Date 24th & 25th June 2013Code LDDD0213 Date 7th & 8th November 2013

This essential two-day course helps generalist advisers, community workers, local authority benefits and housing staff, social workers, health sector staff and others to advise and support clients with debt or money problems. This is a practical course, which takes a rights approach to maximising income, dealing with debts and other related issues.

The course covers:n Examining the causes and effects of debt n Understanding the debt advice process n Deciding on levels of information/advice and making referralsn Understanding liability for debtn Dealing with priority and non-priority debts n Drawing up financial statements n Strategies and solutionsn Court proceedings, including enforcement

No previous knowledge of money advice techniques is needed. Participants will receive a free copy of CPAG’s Debt Advice Handbook.

Level Introductory Tutor Jeff BrownTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA41

2-day course

Introductory

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1-day course

Standard

1-day course

Standard

Employment and support allowance appeals

Code LDET0113 Date 2nd September 2013Code LDET0213 Date 10th February 2014

Employment and support allowance (ESA) is the subject of considerable change. This course looks at appeal issues and tactics, including the developing body of caselaw.

The course covers:n Entitlement to ESA while appealingn Submissions, medical evidence and other tactical issuesn Important work capability assessment caselaw

This course is aimed at advisers with a working knowledge of ESA, including of challenging decisions and representing at the First-tier Tribunal.

Level Standard Tutor Steve JohnsonTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49 and LA50

Benefits for young peopleCode LDYP0113 Date 26 April 2013Code LDYP0213 Date 17 September 2013

This course will help advisers, social services staff, housing workers, education workers and anyone advising young people get to grips with the complex and changing benefit rules relating to young people.

The course looks at how the benefits system applies to young people under 25, and particularly those aged 16–21.

The course covers:n Income support and employment and support allowancen Jobseeker’s allowance (including severe hardship payments) and

housing benefitn What the introduction of universal credit will mean for young people n The benefit entitlement of those in particular situations, such as

disabled young people, looked-after children and care-leavers, people on training courses and in education, those who are pregnant and lone parents, and those living away from their parents.

Level Standard Tutor Gary VauxTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA36

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Disability living allowance for children

Code LDCD0113 Date 26th March 2014

Disability living allowance (DLA) is the main way of meeting the additional needs of many children, yet it is under-claimed and hard to understand. This course looks at the DLA rules for children and considers how to fill in the application form to avoid pitfalls and get the best outcome from the outset.

The course covers:n What extra care needs a child must have to qualify for DLAn The main caselaw on DLA for childrenn Basic milestones in childhood developmentn The impact of stays in residential schools, care homes and hospitalsn How DLA for a child can increase benefits for the family

Level Standard Tutor Catherine ConnorsTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

Housing benefit problem areasCode LDHB0113 Date 9th September 2013

This course looks at housing benefit (HB) problems commonly faced by tenants that will be familiar to many advisers, and suggests practical solutions.

The course covers:n The claims process, information and evidence n Issues related to absence, moving home, two homes and under-

occupancyn Non-dependant deductions n Overpaymentsn Welfare reform benefit cuts

With the proposed abolition of HB, the course also looks at what will happen to the rules under universal credit and pension credit. It is aimed at people with a working knowledge of HB.

Level Standard Tutor CPAGTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA49

1-day course

Standard

1-day course

Standard

Universal Credit: what you need to know 2nd edition(£11)

1-day course

Standard

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Universal creditCode LDUC0113 Date 13th May 2013Code LDUC0213 Date 8th July 2013Code LDUC0313 Date 11th September 2013Code LDUC0413 Date 11th November 2013Code LDUC0513 Date 20th January 2014Code LDUC0713 Date 10th March 2014

The introduction of universal credit (UC) from October 2013 will fundamentally change the current system of benefits and tax credits. This one-day course examines how the new benefit will work and the likely effect on claimants.

The course covers:n The aims of UC n When and how UC will be introduced n Which benefits will be replaced and which will remain n Who will be able to claim UC n How UC will be calculated n Claims, payments and appealsn Conditionality and sanctions

We use practical exercises and case studies to highlight the main features of UC, and there will be time to discuss issues and concerns.

Level Standard Tutor CPAGTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

Calendar of courses April 2013 to March 2014

Page April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

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Basic courses

Benefits for non-benefit advisers 11 11&12 24&25

Universal credit – the essentials 11 21 18

Introductory courses

Introduction to welfare rights 12 14–18

Introduction to benefits for ill-health 14 22

Introduction to benefits for disabled people 14 6

Income maximisation for older people 15 4

Training for welfare rights trainers 15 18&19

Dealing with debt 16 24&25 7&8

Standard courses

Employment and support allowance appeals 17 2 10

Benefits for young people 17 26 17

Disibility living allowance for children 18 26

Housing benefit problem areas 18 9

Universal credit 19 13 8 11 11 20 10

Personal independence payment 22 14 9 12 12 21 11

Benefits for people subject to immigration control 23 16 10

Right to reside and habitual residence 24 17 11

Conditionality and sanctions 25 21 9

Mental health and benefits 26 10 2

Overpayment of benefit 26 13

Representing at the First-tier Tribunal 27 18&19 11&12

Using legislation and caselaw 27 3 14

Tax credits – appeals, overpayments and complaints 28 15 4

Experienced courses

Tribunal rules 29 29

Appeals to the Upper Tribunal 30 17

Judicial review 31 24

Benefit and tax credit law update 32 25

Page April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

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Basic courses

Benefits for non-benefit advisers 11 11&12 24&25

Universal credit – the essentials 11 21 18

Introductory courses

Introduction to welfare rights 12 14–18

Introduction to benefits for ill-health 14 22

Introduction to benefits for disabled people 14 6

Income maximisation for older people 15 4

Training for welfare rights trainers 15 18&19

Dealing with debt 16 24&25 7&8

Standard courses

Employment and support allowance appeals 17 2 10

Benefits for young people 17 26 17

Disibility living allowance for children 18 26

Housing benefit problem areas 18 9

Universal credit 19 13 8 11 11 20 10

Personal independence payment 22 14 9 12 12 21 11

Benefits for people subject to immigration control 23 16 10

Right to reside and habitual residence 24 17 11

Conditionality and sanctions 25 21 9

Mental health and benefits 26 10 2

Overpayment of benefit 26 13

Representing at the First-tier Tribunal 27 18&19 11&12

Using legislation and caselaw 27 3 14

Tax credits – appeals, overpayments and complaints 28 15 4

Experienced courses

Tribunal rules 29 29

Appeals to the Upper Tribunal 30 17

Judicial review 31 24

Benefit and tax credit law update 32 25

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1-day course

Standard

Personal independence paymentCode LDWE0113 Date 14th May 2013Code LDWE0213 Date 9th July 2013Code LDWE0313 Date 12th September 2013Code LDWE0413 Date 12th November 2013Code LDWE0513 Date 21st January 2014Code LDWE0613 Date 11th March 2014

This full-day course will give an introduction to personal independence payment (PIP), the new benefit which will start to replace disability living allowance (DLA) for adults in 2013.

The course covers:n The basic entitlement conditionsn The disability-related criteria and how they will be assessedn Claiming PIP and getting paid, including the impact of stays in

hospital or residential caren Challenging PIP decisionsn Transfer of DLA claimants to PIP

It is suitable for advisers with a working knowledge of existing sickness and disability benefits.

Level Standard Tutor CPAGTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

Benefits for people subject to immigration control

Code LDMG0113 Date 16th May 2013Code LDMG0213 Date 10th October 2013

Advisers can find it difficult and intimidating to advise non-European nationals on how their immigration status affects entitlement to benefits and tax credits. This one-day course offers an opportunity for advisers to gain knowledge and confidence by taking an in-depth look at the rules and how they apply to different scenarios.

The course covers:n Who is a ‘person is subject to immigration control’n Which benefits they are excluded from and the exceptions n When a ‘no recourse to public funds’ restriction is relevantn How a change in immigration status affects entitlement to benefits

and tax creditsn The benefit entitlement of people living with a partner or child with a

different immigration status

If you advise European nationals you should also attend the one-day course Right to reside and habitual residence. The two courses can be booked together.

Level Standard Tutor Rebecca WalkerTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

Benefits for Migrants Handbook6th edition (£25)

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1-day course

Standard

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Right to reside and habitual residenceCode LDRP0113 Date 17th May 2013Code LDRP0213 Date 11th October 2013

Those who advise European nationals about their benefit entitlement need to understand how the right to reside and habitual residence tests can be satisfied, and this also requires keeping up to date with legal developments. This one-day course looks at the current operation of the right to reside and habitual residence tests within the benefit rules. The course covers how these tests are satisfied, and focuses on the main groups of European nationals, their family members and certain carers who have a right to reside.

The course covers:n The factors that are relevant in establishing habitual residence n The main residence rights of European nationals, including as

workers, self-employed people, and those who retain these statuses, or have a permanent right of residency

n Who can derive residence rights as a family member or carern Significant developments in caselaw and legislation

If you advise non-European nationals you should also attend the one-day course on Benefits for people subject to immigration control. The two courses can be booked together.

Level Standard Tutor Rebecca WalkerTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

1-day course

Standard

25

1-day course

Standard

Conditionality and sanctionsCode LDLM0113 Date 21st May 2013Code LDLM0213 Date 9th December 2013

Tougher rules on sanctions and the Work Programme have already transformed the conditionality regime for many claimants. The introduction of universal credit (UC) and the claimant commitment extend it to many more. Claimants of UC and jobseeker’s allowance may have to meet certain conditions related to looking, being available and preparing for work, and attend work-focused interviews or face a sanction.

This course will help advisers navigate the revised conditionality regime.

The course covers:n Which work-related requirements apply to claimantsn Understanding the different work-related requirementsn The claimant commitment and how it will operaten When sanctions can be imposed and how the sanction regime

worksn Challenging sanction decisions and work-related requirements being

imposedn Obtaining hardship payments

This course is for advisers with a working knowledge of the existing benefit system. For others who do not work specifically in welfare rights but who want an update on welfare reforms, see Universal credit – the essentials (page 11).

Level Standard Tutor Martin WilliamsTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

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1-day course

Standard

1-day course

Standard

Mental health and benefitsCode LDMH0113 Date 10th June 2013Code LDMH0213 Date 2nd December 2013

This course provides a practical and tactical look at working with people with mental health diagnoses to help secure full entitlement to benefits, and to help avoid some of the pitfalls of the system.

The course covers:n Common diagnoses, symptoms, medication and side effects n Barriers to people getting the right entitlement n Considerations when working in a mental health context n Personal independence payment for mental health problemsn Medical tests for employment and support allowance and universal

credit n Tactics for dealing with other benefit issues

A working knowledge of the benefits system is assumed.

Level Standard Tutor Essie RashidschiTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49 and LA37

Overpayment of benefitCode LDRB0113 Date 13th June 2013

With the introduction of universal credit (UC), the rules on recovering benefit overpayments are changing. Different rules and tactics for challenging recovery will apply depending on which benefit has been overpaid. This course is an introduction to the new and existing rules. It will help advisers know which set of rules apply, when overpayments can be recovered and how to challenge decisions.

The course covers:n An overview of benefit recovery rulesn New overpayment rules for UC, jobseeker’s allowance and

employment and support allowancen Housing benefit overpaymentsn Overpayments of other DWP benefitsn Challenging overpaymentsn Methods of recovery

This course does not cover tax credit overpayments (see page 28).

Level Standard Tutor Daphne HallTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49 and LA50

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2-day course

Standard

1-day course

Standard

Representing at the First-tier Tribunal

Code LDAT0213 Date 18 & 19 July 2013Code LDAT0313 Date 11th & 12th December 2013

This popular two-day course gives a basic grounding in representing clients at the First-tier Tribunal. Through mock tribunals, participants gain experience in a safe environment in which there is nothing to lose.

The course covers:n Making an appealn Tribunal procedure n Case preparation – getting evidence and applying the law n The role of the judgen Rules of evidence n Basic advocacy and presentation skills

This course is aimed at advisers with a working knowledge of benefits and little or no experience of representing at tribunals.

Level Standard Tutor Essie RachidschiTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 10 hoursNOS LA49

Using legislation and caselawCode LDFY0113 Date 3rd July 2013Code LDFY0213 Date 14th January 2014

Advisers regularly deal with complex areas of social security and tax credit law. This one-day course explores some of the legal skills required by lay advisers, and gives information on different aspects of the legal system.

The course covers:n Legal research skills – finding the law and legal precedents n Using legislation – Acts, regulations and caselaw n Using the annotated guides – Sweet and Maxwell’s Social Security

Legislation n Interpreting legislationn Using the internet for legal research

Level Standard Tutor Essie RashidschiTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA50

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Tax credits – appeals, overpayments and complaints

Code LDTC0113 Date 15th July 2013Code LDTC0213 Date 4th February 2014

This course aims to help advisers understand how overpayments can arise and how to challenge decisions. It is suitable for experienced advisers as well as those with little experience of tax credits.

The course covers:n The law on decisions, revisions and appealsn Recovery of overpayments n Challenging overpayments n How to appeal n Making a complaint n What will happen to overpayments on transfer to universal credit

Level Standard Tutor Steve JohnsonTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hours NOS LA49

1-day course

Standard

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Tribunal rules

Code LDTR0113 Date 29th April 2013

This one-day course is aimed at advisers assisting claimants with appeals. It will provide an overview of the rules governing the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.

The course covers:n Making appeals and late appeals n The importance of the ‘overriding objective’ n Tribunal powers: time limits, strike-outs, evidence, witnesses,

hearingsn Applying for directionsn Procedure once an appeal is maden Challenging tribunal decisions in the Upper Tribunal

Throughout the course the focus is on how the rules and procedures can be used to ensure that cases are well prepared and presented, so that claimants have the best possible chance of a fair hearing and a just result.

The course covers the procedure for challenging decisions in the Upper Tribunal. The judicial review function of the Upper Tribunal is not covered on this course. Please see Judicial review. Advisers may also be interested in the Appeals to the Upper Tribunal course (page 30).

Level Experienced Tutor Martin WilliamsTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA50

1-day course

Experienced

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Appeals to the Upper Tribunal Code LDAT0113 Date 17th April 2013

This is an essential course for anyone who wants to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal effectively. Some experience of representing at the First-tier Tribunal is essential.

The course covers:n Identifying a ‘material error of law’ in a First-tier Tribunal decisionn Exploring other ways of changing First-tier Tribunal decisions (set-

aside, correction of error, review) n Applications to the Upper Tribunal n Procedures from the First-tier to the Upper Tribunal n Preparing submissions to the Upper Tribunal n Hearings

Level Experienced Tutor Martin WilliamsTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA50

1-day course

Experienced

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Judicial review Code LDJR0113 Date 24th October 2013

Judicial review can be an effective tool for challenging decisions that affect benefit and tax credit claimants. This course gives advisers and lawyers a clear understanding of its potential use. As welfare benefits are largely removed from the scope of legal aid, judicial review is more important a remedy than ever. Delays and discretionary decisions are just two examples of where judicial review could be considered, and which advisers are more likley to encounter as a result of welfare reform.

The course covers:n Judicial review as a remedy – when it is availablen Which benefit and tax credit decisions may be challenged by judicial

reviewn Limits on the powers of the DWP, HMRC and local authoritiesn Alternative public law remediesn The judicial review jurisdiction of the Upper Tribunaln An outline of the procedure and legal aid issues

This course is likely to be most useful to experienced advisers and those who take appeals to the Upper Tribunal. The emphasis during the day is on helping advisers to spot potential arguments at an early stage. The course will therefore also be of benefit to advisers simply wanting to expand their knowledge, as well as those who take cases or make referrals to solicitors.

Level Experienced Tutor CPAGTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA50

1-day course

Experienced

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Benefit and tax credit law updateCode LDSS0113 Date 25th October 2013

Social security and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly. Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on caselaw, this essential one-day course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credit law during the previous six months.

n Decisions of the High Court, Court of Appeal, Court of Session and Supreme Court, as well as the European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights

n Selected decisions of the Upper Tribunaln Significant changes to Acts and regulations

Level Experienced Tutor CPAGTime 10am – 4.30pm CPD 5 hoursNOS LA50

1-day course

Experienced

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Income maximisation for families This half-day course looks at benefit issues for people starting a family and for families with young children, both in and out of work.

The course covers:n Financial help available for pregnancy, birth or adoption, including

Healthy Start vouchers, maternity grants, child benefit and tax creditsn How support for children will change under universal creditn Tactics for maximising income as family circumstances changen Help with childcare costs Level Introductory Time Half dayCPD 3 hours NOS LA49

Community care and social security Care in the community is an issue for many advisers, particularly those working with older people, people with disabilities and carers. This course will assist those who want to maximise their clients’ income and minimise loss of benefit when receiving community care services from a local authority.

It will include discussion of relevant community care legislation and procedures.

The course covers:n The role and responsibilities of local authorities in providing and

financing care packages n Benefit rights in different community care settings and in residential

care and nursing homesn Charging for community care services n The impact of hospitalisation and having a health-funded care package n Challenging decisions

Level Introductory Time 10am – 4.30pmCPD 5 hours NOS LA49 and LA51

In-house courses Most of the training courses in this brochure can be booked as an in-house course on a date and at a venue to suit you. As well as the courses in this brochure, we also offer the following as in-house courses.

1/2-day course

In-house

1-day course

In-house

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Separation, maintenance settlement and welfare benefits updateThis half-day course is for family and matrimonial lawyers. It addresses welfare benefits issues that are especially relevant.

The course covers:n Means-tested benefits that can be claimed n To work or not to work – better-off issues n Maintenance and benefits n Effect of lump-sum payments on means-tested benefits n Shared care and benefits

This is a practical course set in a framework of scenarios covering the circumstances immediately following separation through to the final settlement.

A basic understanding of the operation of the social security and tax credit systems and the benefits available is expected.

Level Introductory Time Half dayCPD 3 hours NOS LA49

We can tailor any course to suit the needs of your organisation. We can also develop training programmes to suit your organisation and specific requirements.

For more information, see www.cpag.org.uk/training or contact Naomi Jessop on 020 7812 5228 or training@cpag.org.uk

1/2-day course

In-house

Welfare reform – what you need to knowThe benefit system is changing radically, with major consequences for claimants and the services that support them. This course gives you an opportunity to get the latest information on welfare reform and discuss how the changes may impact on your clients and your service.

The course covers:n An overview of universal credit (UC) for working-age peoplen An overview of personal independence payment (PIP) for disabled

peoplen An outline of the housing benefit changes, including the new

‘bedroom tax’n Council tax reduction and the benefit cap

This course is intended to prepare you for the change. Welfare rights workers who need an in-depth working knowledge of UC and PIP should attend the dedicated one-day courses (see pages 19 and 22).

Level Standard Time 10am – 4.30pmCPD 5 hours NOS LA49

1-day course

In-house

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CPAG training in Scotland Introductory courses Introduction to welfare rights 13–17 May 2013, 7–11 October 2013 Introduction to benefits for disabled people 31 October 2013 Introduction to benefits for ill-health 1 November 2013 Housing benefit and rent arrears 6 February 2014 Income maximisation for families 26 March 2014 Income maximisation for older people 30 October 2013 Kinship care, looked-after children and care leavers 30 August 2013 Training for trainers 18–19 September 2013 Standard courses Benefits for people from abroad 7–8 November 2013 New Carers – universal credit and other reforms 5 June 2013 DLA for children 25 March 2014 ESA appeals 22 August 2013 Mental health and benefits 30 May 2013 Housing benefit problem areas 10 September 2013 New Overpayments of benefit 3 October 2013New Personal independence payment n 22 n 23 May, 4 June n 28 n 29 August, 28 November, 14 February Representing at the First-tier Tribunal 6–7 June 2013, 14–15 November 2013 New Scottish Welfare Fund 7 May 2013 Tax credits – appeals, overpayments and complaints 5 September 2013 New Universal credit 18 April n 21 May n 6 June, 21 August, n 4 September n 31 October, 5 December n 30 JanuaryNew Universal credit and young people 17 September 2013 Using evidence effectively 13 March 2014 Using legislation and caselaw 27 February 2014

Experienced courses Appeals to the Upper Tribunal 12 September 2013 Benefits and tax credits law update 24 October 2013, 20 March 2014 Tribunal representation – practice and tactics 21 November 2013 Benefits for students courses Benefits for disabled students 11 March 2014

Introduction to benefits for student advisers 5 November 2013 Students and benefits – eligibility 4 February 2014 Students and benefits – an update n 30 May 2013, 26 November 2013 New Universal credit for students

Basic courses Benefits for disabled children and their families 20 August 2013 New Benefits for disabled children from age 16 4 December 2013 Benefits for non-benefit advisers 20–21 February 2014 New Childcare and universal credit 18 February 2014 European nationals – benefit essentials 20 June 2013 Tax credits – the essentials 18 June 2013 Welfare reform – what you need to know 27 August 2013

For more information contact:Tel: 0141 552 3420email: pchalmers@cpagscotland.org.ukweb: www.cpag.org.uk/glasgow

Yellow = EdinburghGreen = AberdeenBlue = Inverness

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Here are five easy ways you can help:

Take on a challenge or host an event Are you looking to take on a new sporting challenge, or

have a brilliant idea for supporting CPAG via an event at your workplace, college or club? We would love to hear from you! Email fundraising@cpag.org.uk or look to our fundraising heroes for inspiration: http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/our-fundraising-heroes

Make a regular gift Making a small donation to CPAG each month is the perfect

way to show your support. Regular gifts are especially valuable as they enable us to plan ahead. Visit: http://www.cpag.org.uk/donate-now to download a standing order form.

Connect with us Sign up to our email News from CPAG to find out about our

latest campaigns, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with our latest news and debates.

Become a CPAG member CPAG has membership packages to suit all interests and

budgets, with plenty of fantastic benefits included. Please visit http://www.cpag.org.uk/membership or contact membership@cpag.org.uk for an information pack.

Ask your college or workplace to help The CPAG fundraising team has lots of brilliant ideas to

support your college or workplace in their fundraising. We would be enormously grateful if you would consider choosing CPAG as your beneficiary this year. Please contact Emily on 020 7812 5217 to receive a fundraising pack.

Do you believe in our work and want to make a difference to the lives of children living in poverty in the UK?

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Stay up to date and save money – become a CPAG Rights member

If you want to keep up with all the benefit changes taking place in 2013/14, our Rights membership can help you! Member benefits include:

• 5%discountonallCPAGtrainingcourses.

• AfreeWelfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook worth £45.

• 10%discountonallcopiesoftheHandbookthatyoubuyoverand above your free copy.

• AnnualsubscriptiontotheWelfare Rights Bulletin worth £34.

• Pre-publicationdiscountsonhousingbenefitandchildsupportlegislation.

• Wewillkeepyouupdatedonchildpovertypolicyandnewresearch and campaigns through our Poverty magazine and monthly e-news.

Rights membership costs a bargain £65. You’ll save at least £14 on publications straight away, and can save much more throughout the year.

Other types of membership:

• RightsOnline–similartoRightsmembershipabove,butyougeta one-year subscription to our online Handbook instead of a print copy. It costs £75 per year.

• Supportingmembership–costs£30peryearor£10forunwaged/students.

Join up at www.cpag.org.uk/membership.

Any queries? Email membership@cpag.org.uk, we’ll be happy to help.

NEW member discounts on training and books!

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New CPAG handbooks and guides

Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook 2013/2014 £45 Late April 2013 c.1,888pp The new edition of the ‘adviser’s bible’ will incorporate universal credit and other important changes such as personal independence payment, the benefit cap and the new conditionality and sanctions regime. Fully indexed and cross-referenced to law and regulations.

Child Support Handbook 2013/2014 £29 summer 2013 c.560ppFully revised and updated to cover the new child support scheme (alongside the two existing schemes).Using revised examples and incorporating new caselaw, this new edition will help advisers and lawyers through the latest changes to this complex area.

Our What You Need to Know series is growing…

Universal Credit: what you need to know, 2nd edition £11 May 2013 c.256ppThe new edition of our popular ‘essentials’ guide to universal credit, now updated with the latest information on how this new benefit will be introduced and administered. Ideal for busy frontline staff who need to know how UC will affect their clients.

Personal Independence Payment: what you need to know£12 Summer 2013 c.160ppOur jargon-free guide to this new benefit for people with disabilities will help advice agencies and disability organisations deal effectively with clients’ queries.

Winning Your Benefit Appeal: what you need to know £12 Autumn 2013 c.256ppThis gives you all the essential information and practical tips needed in order to represent at the First-tier Tribunal.

See our complete range of publications: www.cpag.org.uk/bookshop

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Training booking formContact name

Position

Organisation

Email

I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to ‘Child Poverty Action Group’

Names of participants Course(s) £ Date

I wish to book the following courses

Address

Telephone Fax

Please invoice my organisation (give details of who should be invoiced if different from above)

Please phone us on 020 7812 5202/236 if you have any disability needs, dietary requirements or any other requests.

If you would like any of these, please tell us

Large print needed Braille pack needed Other needs (please call us)

Wheelchair user Will be bringing a facilitator

Tick if you would like to be contacted with news and further information about training and special offers.

Please return booking form to Child Poverty Action Group, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF

CPAG membership number (if applicable)

I would like to claim the 5% to Rights members

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TrainersJeff Brown has over 25 years’ experience in the field of money advice, having worked for a CAB, National Debtline, a bank and a mortgage lender. Jeff is now a successful freelance trainer and consultant in debt advice/benefits advice to the not-for-profit sector and credit industry. He is a regular trainer for the Council of Mortgage Lenders and has delivered in-house training to over a dozen mortgage lenders. Jeff is also an approved tutor for the Money Advice Trust and the Institute of Money Advisers at both caseworker and specialist levels.

Catherine Connors worked as a local authority welfare rights officer for 16 years, most recently in a children’s centre. In 1999, she gained an adult and further education teaching certificate and has considerable experience delivering welfare rights training to a variety of audiences, including social work students, primary care trust staff, housing providers, Women’s Aid and CAB advisers. She has also designed and delivered a range of training materials for a financial capability project.

Edward Graham is CPAG’s Advice and Rights Manager. He has 15 years’ experience in benefits advice and training.

Daphne Hall has worked in welfare rights for many years and is currently a welfare rights adviser with Bristol City Council and also a freelance trainer. She is a contributor to the Disability Rights Handbook and to CPAG’s Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook.

Steve Johnson manages Walthamstow CAB. He is also a freelance welfare rights trainer to those working in the voluntary sector, lawyers, housing associations and local authorities.

Essie Rashidschi has 20 years’ experience as an advice worker, particularly in the field of welfare benefits and social security law. He previously worked for London Advice Services Alliance as part of the appeals team. He currently works as a freelance welfare rights tutor.

Louise Shepherd is a freelance training consultant. Louise was formerly a welfare rights trainer for the London Borough of Lewisham and training manager for a large London-based housing association. She works

exclusively in the public sector, and recent clients include NSPCC, the National Trust, Imperial College and many local authorities and housing associations.

Aida Shoush is an experienced welfare rights adviser and trainer. She is currently working as an adviser at St Christopher’s Hospice in South London as part of a team providing advice services to patients and their families, as well as those who are newly bereaved. She has been an adviser in both the CAB service and other parts of the independent advice sector. She has also worked in a local authority welfare rights service and at London Advice Services Alliance.

David Simmons is a welfare rights worker at CPAG. He has more than 20 years’ experience of providing welfare rights advice and training and has written extensively for CPAG and other publications.

David Stickland is a freelance welfare rights trainer and welfare rights officer for the London Borough of Greenwich. He delivers training for various voluntary organisations and acts as a consultant/trainer for several large housing associations and disability organisations.

Gary Vaux is Head of Advice (Benefits & Work) at Hertfordshire County Council and an experienced welfare benefits adviser, writer and trainer. Gary also writes a benefits column for Community Care magazine.

Rebecca Walker is a welfare rights caseworker at Pitsmoor CAB in Sheffield and a freelance trainer and writer. She contributes to CPAG’s Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook and to the Disability Rights Handbook and has worked in welfare rights since 1993.

Martin Williams is a welfare rights worker at CPAG. He is widely experienced in representing claimants at both levels within the tribunal system, having worked in the appeals team at London Advice Services Alliance from 2001 until 2008. He has also worked as a local authority welfare rights officer and in an independent advice centre. Martin is currently an author of CPAG’s Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit: the legislation.

Child Poverty Action Group94 White Lion StreetLondon N1 9PF

tel 020 7837 7979 fax 020 7837 6414

email info@cpag.org.ukweb www.cpag.org.uk

Child Poverty Action Group is a charity registered in England and Wales (registration number 294841) and in Scotland (registration number SC039339). Company limited by guarantee registered in England (registration number 1993854).

Registered office: 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF.