The implementation of Universal Credit (UC) is bringing significant changes to how people access and maintain social housing. This session will focus solely on the particular impacts for those in the social rented sector.

This course will cover:

• Issues surrounding making a claim and payments of housing cost element of UC for social tenants
• Differences between housing cost element of UC and housing benefit
• Social sector housing costs, bedroom tax and welfare supplementary payments.
• Rates assistance for social tenants
• Assisting social tenants in financial difficulty
• Wider impacts of Welfare Reform

By the end of the session you will have a better understanding of the impacts of UC on the Social Rented Sector. You will understand the position of both tenants and landlords within the sector and will be able to work to ensure tenancies are sustained. 

Who should attend? 

• Both new and experienced advisers who are involved in Welfare Reform and the impact these changes will have on the current benefits system and people’s ability to pay for their accommodation.
• Housing providers
• Constituency office workers
• Community/residents groups
• Hostel workers
• Solicitors