Since Universal Credit has been introduced into Northern Ireland it has brought a new set of challenges for housing providers, tenants, homeowners and those who advise them. Currently additional pressures have been added with claimants managing their tenancies through Covid restrictions.  Temporary legislation had been implemented during the pandemic and, with this due to end soon, there is a concern that housing could be affected. 

This training course provides an introduction to the housing element of Universal Credit and also looks to the possible impacts of temporary amendments to the system during Coronavirus and how, as these draw to a close, they will impact on tenants and homeowners.  

This training course will cover: 

• How housing costs are dealt with under Universal Credit 
• How temporary amendments to Universal Credit will affect applicants should legislation not be extended/amended 
• Who is eligible to receive help with housing costs and what restrictions may apply 
• How other elements of Welfare Reform, including the bedroom tax, benefit cap and welfare supplementary payments, interact with Universal Credit 
• Other possible forms of financial support available to Universal Credit claimants. 

Who should attend this training course? 

Anyone who would benefit from an update in their 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.