Universal Credit is gradually being introduced in Northern Ireland and has brought a new set of challenges for housing providers, tenants, homeowners and those who advise them. 

This training course will provide a complete introduction to the housing element of Universal Credit and the likely impacts of this new system on tenants and homeowners. 

This course will cover:

• How Universal Credit differs from Housing Benefit
• How to assist people with applying for Universal Credit
• How housing costs will be dealt with under Universal Credit
• What type of accommodation will remain under the Housing Benefit system
• Who is eligible to receive help with housing costs and what restrictions may apply
• What assistance is available to help Universal Credit claimants who have to pay rates
• How to estimate how much someone will receive under Universal Credit
• About sources of financial support there are to help people who are struggling with the new system
• The eligibility criteria, application process and repayment procedures associated with the new system of loan support for mortgage costs
• How other elements of Welfare Reform, including the bedroom tax, benefit cap and welfare supplementary payments, interact with Universal Credit

Who should attend this course?

Anyone who would benefit from a working knowledge of the Universal Credit system, with particular reference to housing. This course will be of particular interest to people working within the social housing sector, private landlords and agents and advice agencies who regularly deal with housing queries.

Course objectives

By the end of the day, participants will be able to:

• Understand the types of accommodation which will be assessed under Universal Credit
• Understand the application, assessment and payment cycles for Universal Credit
• Assist customers who have difficulty understanding their entitlement to assistance with payments relating to rent, service charges, mortgages and secured loans and rates
• Signpost customers to relevant sources of statutory and charitable support to ease financial hardship