Pay and Benefits (Welfare Benefits)

Course Ref  No:  AJ31QQ006

NOCN Credits 3.    Level 1

Why Should I Be Interested In This Course?

The aim of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the UK benefits available to individuals in different         circumstances.      

How Will I Benefit?

The course is designed to give you a broad overview of the main UK welfare benefits and will help you to identify the appropriate benefit applicable to those unable to work or who are on low pay.

Course Structure:

There are three modules to this course:

1. Developing a General Understanding Of The Different Types of Welfare Benefits.

This will give you an overview of the different types of means tested and non means - tested benefits.

2. Benefits Applicable To Those Unable to Work .

Includes benefits designed for those who are unemployed and those who are incapacitated due to sickness, injury, or  disability.

3.  Benefits Available To Low Paid Workers.

A review of the range of benefits available to those who are low paid and the relevant eligibility criteria.

What Will I Achieve?

You will receive three National Open College Network Credits at Level 1. This is a UK nationally recognised qualification. 

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The Benefits System

Course Ref No: HE82QQ001

NOCN Credits 6.  Level 2        

Why Should I be Interested In This Course?

The aim of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of the UK benefits system and the fundamentals of welfare and advice work.

How Will I Benefit?

You will gain a broad understanding of the operation of the UK welfare benefits system and how to develop skills in providing appropriate advice to those seeking assistance.

Course Outline:

There are ten modules, as follows:

1. Understand the Fundamentals and Processes of Good Advice Work.

    Covers the scope of good advice work and what is involved.

2. Demonstrate an Awareness of the Main Benefits that are Available in the UK.

    Provides an outline of the main current benfits available in the UK and the significance of means testing.

         The other modules cover specific aspects of the benefits system:

3. Understand How Income Support Works

    Eligibility rules, effective income level and the applicable amount.

4. Understand How Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Work.

    Eligibility rules, effective income level, exemptions, second adult rebate, non dependants.

5. Understand the Health Benefit System

    The main current benefits relevant to particular cases.

6. Understand the Benefits Relating to Families.

Benefits relevant to maternity, paternity, adoption and bringing up children.  Also taking into account the appropriate definition of "family" and the potential impact of child support on payment levels as well as the importance of Child Tax Credits.

7. Understand Benefits Relating to Employment.

The main current benefits, including those that are means and non-means tested elements, including Job Seeker's

Allowance and Working Tax Credits, with an overview of the basic rules and how to claim the appropriate benefits.

8. Understand Benefits Relating to Retirement.

The current state ofpension provision in the UK and the impact of company / private pension schemes on means tested benefits.

9. Understand Other Applicable Benefits.

    This relates to benefits and rules of eligibility, for example concerning widows and carers.

10.Demonstrate Appropriate Attitudes for Advice Work

This is a fundamental module which underpins the whole course and focuses on the manner in which advice work shouldbe conducted.

What Will I Achieve?

     You will achieve six National Open College Network Credits at Level 2 on successful completion of this course. This is a UK

      nationally recognised qualification.

   (A level 3 course is currently under development)