Training
Benefits and young people
Online booking is available here
Who this course is for -
Staff who work with young people (16/17 year olds) in an advisory or supportive role, and experienced advisers who want to increase their benefit knowledge for this client group.
NB - If you have very little knowledge of the benefit system we recommend that you attend our Welfare benefits overview course first. As part of the course you will be asked to complete exercises that are based on your knowledge of the benefit system.
What this course is about -
The rules covering benefits for young people are often completely different from those for over 18s. Advisers confident about advising other client groups are often unsure of the rules for this group. Support workers specialising in working with young people are often not confident about advising on benefits. So young people, desperately in need of advice, often fall through the gaps in the system and in advisers' knowledge.
This course is a step towards correcting that. You will learn the eligibility conditions young people face when claiming IS/income-based JSA and severe hardship payments, and how to advise them to make a valid claim, including the roles the different organisations (e.g. Connexions) play in making a claim. We look at the importance of accessing other money including applications to the Social Fund. You will also learn about housing benefit restrictions for young people and how discretionary housing payments can sometimes help, and how to apply for them.
Level: Introductory
CPD Hours: Five
