CPAG England & Wales Online Training Programme 2023/24

ONLINE TRAINING COURSES 2023/24

ONLINE WELFARE RIGHTS TRAINING

Child Poverty Action Group works on behalf of the more than one in four children in the UK growing up in poverty. It doesn’t have to be like this. We use our understanding of what causes poverty and the impact it has on children’s lives to campaign for policies that will prevent and solve poverty – for good.

The soaring prices we’ve seen in recent months have affected families on the lowest incomes the most, and we have been making the case for a social security system that supports everyone when they need it. We have expanded our online training and online library of publications and resources at AskCPAG to make sure advisers have resources at hand to help low-income families access financial support.

Please consider making a donation or becoming a member

CONTACT CPAG

020 7837 7979 cpag.org.uk

Training enquiries training@cpag.org.uk

Publications enquiries bookorders@cpag.org.uk

Membership enquiries membership@cpag.org.uk

Advice line

Free, independent, expert and up-todate advice on benefits and tax credits for frontline advisers and support workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Phone 020 7812 5231

We are open from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm (Monday to Friday).

Visit cpag.org.uk/advisers for more information.

Follow CPAG on Twitter

@CPAGUK

Sign up to hear about our books, conference, training, events and membership.

ONLINE TRAINING

Our online training courses are delivered live via Zoom to maintain the interactivity of a classroom and come with extensive materials and resources for participants to access and refer to at their own leisure.

For course information, or to book a place, please visit cpag.org.uk/training

BEFORE THE COURSE

You can join from any internet-enabled device, although we strongly recommend connecting to Zoom via desktop, as phones have limited functions that can restrict full participation.

If you have not used Zoom before, you can set-up and test your technology prior to the course at zoom.us/test. During the test, check that your connection, audio and video all work, and have a practice at opening documents on your computer too, as you may want to do this during the course to look at course materials.

JOINING THE COURSE

You will receive an email a few days prior to the course with all of the joining instructions, including a link to our AskCPAG Digital Learning platform. The course page on AskCPAG Digital Learning contains:

■ A link to join the live session on Zoom

■ The course materials

COURSE SCHEDULE

Half-day courses are usually scheduled to run from 10am-1pm, with a 30 minute break at 11.15am. To avoid lengthy screen time, we have structured our full-day courses to take place over two consecutive mornings.

DURING THE COURSE

Choose somewhere to join the course that is comfortable, and that has a good internet connection and minimal distractions.

AT THE END OF THE COURSE

You will be asked to complete the online course evaluation form.

FEES AND BOOKING INFORMATION FOR ONLINE COURSES

CPAG members now get a 10% discount on our public programme training courses and events, including our seminars and conferences.

*Please note that to avoid lengthy screen time, our full-day courses are delivered over two mornings online.

Cancellations

If for any reason you need to cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees apply:

■ If you cancel more than 28 days from the course date, a £25 cancellation fee will apply.

■ If you cancel more than 14 days from the course date, 50% of the course fee will be charged.

■ If you cancel within 14 days of the course date, you will be charged the full course fee.

Cancellations must be made in writing to training@cpag.org.uk

Booking

You can check availability and book onto a course online at cpag.org.uk/training-and-events/events

You will receive an email confirming that your booking has been received. If you have an enquiry about your booking, please contact training@cpag.org.uk or call 020 7837 7979.

Course materials

We can provide course materials in large print. Please indicate when booking online if you have any other needs, or contact us at training@cpag.org.uk

Additional training dates

New courses and course dates are added to our programme throughout the year. For the latest information, sign up to our mailing list.

Very

clear & comprehensive course delivery, training & support

IN-HOUSE ONLINE TRAINING

All of the online training courses in this programme can be delivered to your organisation. We can also design and deliver bespoke training courses, tailored to your specific learning needs.

We work with many organisations throughout the UK each year to design and deliver inhouse learning and development solutions.

Advantages of in-house training

In-house training offers a range of benefits, including:

■ Choosing an in-house version of one of our training courses will be more economical when several members of your staff will be attending the session

■ You benefit from having a trainer to yourselves, who can answer questions relating to the specific needs of your organisation

■ Choosing an in-house course means that you are in control of the schedule – you choose the date and start time

■ We provide the expert tutor and all the training materials required

For a quote and more information, please email training@cpag.org.uk or call 020 7812 5224.

WEBINARS

We run a number of webinars throughout the year which offer up-to-the-minute insights on social security developments and topics of concern.

Please keep an eye on our website or sign up to our newsletter for the latest information on our events, campaigns and appeals.

FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING

Our face-to-face training programme is back with new courses, dates and locations added throughout the year.

To browse our latest face-to-face training dates, visit cpag.org.uk/training-and-events/events and filter the listings by location.

TRAINING COURSE LEVELS

CPAG’s experience in the welfare rights field is unrivalled and our rights handbooks are the definitive guides for those working in advice, support and advocacy nationwide. We have used this experience and expertise to inform and design the courses in this training programme.

Level of course

It is important that you choose the right level of course. We grade them at four levels.

BASIC

For frontline workers who do not work specifically in welfare rights, but who want to know about the benefit issues relevant to their clients in order to give basic advice or refer on.

See page 7

INTRODUCTORY

For people new to benefit advice work, or who have little or no experience of the subject covered by the course.

See pages 8-13.

STANDARD

For people with a working knowledge of the benefits system, or the subject covered by the course. These courses are suitable for people wanting a refresher, or to update skills or information. See pages 14-30.

EXPERIENCED

For more experienced benefit advisers who are confident about covering issues in more, and sometimes complex, detail. See pages 31-43.

Thank you! Really good trainer – patient, no question was too stupid. I learnt so much… CPAG are the best. 10/10, and I don’t give 10s usually!

BENEFITS FOR NON-BENEFIT ADVISERS

DATE 20 & 21 April 2023, Online

DATE 6 & 7 July 2023, Online

DATE 21 & 22 September 2023, Online

DATE 23 & 24 November 2023, Online

DATE 22 & 23 February 2024, Online

This essential one-day course, held over two mornings, is aimed at non-benefit staff and volunteers working with people for whom benefits are an issue.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and tax credits system and enables staff to complete basic income maximisation checks on behalf of clients, tenants and service users.

The course covers:

■ The structure of the benefit system

■ The different categories of benefits

■ Basic entitlement to different benefits

■ The basic rules of universal credit and how to claim

■ The benefit cap

■ When and how to challenge decisions

The trainer was brilliant. I really liked the structure and delivery of the presentation. This could have been a painful course to sit through, owing to the complexity of benefits, but the trainer made it interesting and easy to understand… Thank you so much!

Level - Basic

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

I have come away from the course having learnt so much. Thank you

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE – AN INTRODUCTION

DATE 12 September 2023, Online

DATE 27 February 2024, Online

Attendance allowance (AA) is the main disability benefit for people who have reached pension age. Getting an award of AA can significantly increase income and so it is a crucial benefit for older people.

This course will give you an understanding of the main rules and help you to identify people who may be entitled. The course is aimed at advisers with little or no experience of AA.

The course covers:

■ Who is entitled to AA

■ How to claim

■ Some ‘knock-on’ effects of getting an award of AA

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Steph Pike

Time - 10am – 1pm

CPAG publication

Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook

Available to buy in print or online at cpag.org.uk/bookshop

Fully updated for 2023/24, the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook provides tactical guidance and examples throughout to help you navigate an increasingly complex social security system.

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

BENEFITS AND DOMESTIC ABUSE

DATE 11 & 12 May 2023, Online

DATE 7 & 8 December 2023, Online

This one-day course is aimed at those supporting women fleeing from domestic abuse. Many women fleeing domestic violence will need to claim benefits in their own right, and for the majority of cases that will be universal credit (UC), especially if they have children.

The course covers:

■ The benefits available to women fleeing domestic abuse

■ How the introduction of universal credit affects these claimants

■ The effect of the benefit cap on claimants

■ The process for challenging decisions

The course is suitable for those with little or no benefit knowledge.

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Really enjoyed the course, found it informative

I learnt loads from this course and it was extremely well delivered

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

DATE 15 & 16 June 2023, Online

DATE 28 & 29 September 2023, Online

DATE 23 & 24 November 2023, Online

DATE 14 & 15 March 2024, Online

This one-day introductory level course - delivered over two consecutive mornings – provides an overview of the benefits system and examines how the system fits together.

The course covers:

■ How the benefits system is structured and the differences between contributory, noncontributory and means tested benefits

■ Who can claim each of the benefits which make up the system

■ How to help people claim a work-related benefit when they cannot work due to a health condition or a disability

■ How to help people of all ages claim a disability benefit when their everyday lives are affected by a health condition or a disability

■ The impact of claiming or being migrated onto universal credit for people already in receipt of certain benefits

■ How to complete a basic benefits check to ensure people are claiming their likely entitlements

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Jo Silcox

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Delivery was excellent and all inclusive –the easy to follow information pack will be invaluable as a point of reference

I’m really pleased that I’ve completed this training. It will be invaluable in my career

INTRODUCTION TO WELFARE BENEFITS

DATE 10, 11 & 12 May 2023, Online

DATE 23, 24 & 25 August 2023, Online

DATE 22, 23 & 24 January 2024, Online

The welfare benefits system is complicated and confusing, both to claimants and those whose responsibility it is to support them. Claimants are largely expected to know their rights, although it is clear that most do not.

Millions of pounds are under claimed every year leading to severe hardship, including rent arrears and other indebtedness. The cost of living crisis will only make matters worse. It is therefore vital that new advisers become aware of what the benefits system has to offer.

This training course is intended to help those who are new to helping claimants with social security queries, and to increase awareness of the key welfare benefits available to new and established claimants.

The course covers:

■ The basic structure of the benefits system

■ The role of contributory and non-contributory benefits

■ The role of the means tested benefits system

■ The responsibilities of benefit claimants

■ How sick and disabled people are supported through social security

■ How universal credit is changing means tested help for claimants

■ How universal credit operates and a summary of how it is calculated

Thank you so much. So glad I picked this training!

Brilliant course, very useful and great materials to refer back to at a later date. The trainer was very helpful and tailored the content to the needs of the group

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

PIP – CLAIMS TO DECISIONS

DATE 26, 27 & 28 April 2023, Online

DATE 29, 30 & 31 August 2023, Online

DATE 4, 5 & 6 December 2023, Online

Personal independence payment (PIP) is a disability welfare benefit run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is aimed at those starting a PIP claim aged between 16 to pension age.

PIP can assist with personal care needs as well as with mobility difficulties. It is paid at various rates and is not means-tested. An award of PIP can also increase certain “legacy” awards that were already in place before universal credit was invented.

This training course is intended to help those who are new to helping claimants with social security queries and will increase awareness of this key disability benefit.

The course covers:

■ How PIP entitlement is decided

■ The number of points that are needed to qualify for PIP

■ How variable conditions are assessed under the PIP rules

■ Whether a disabled person can do things reliably

■ How a PIP claim is made using the PIP2 Questionnaire

■ Medical evidence issues

■ The role of the Health Professional

■ How decisions may be challenged

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

CPAG publication

Personal Independence Payment: what you need to know

Available to buy at cpag.org.uk/bookshop

Our popular guide to Personal Independence Payment tells you all you need to know about the benefit in a clear, accessible and easy to follow way.

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNIVERSAL CREDIT – AN INTRODUCTION

DATE 5 May 2023, Online

DATE 6 October 2023, Online

DATE 1 February 2024, Online

How can you help your service users manage universal credit? Supporting people with an online system, especially if you are working from home, can be difficult.

Understanding the claim process and how to maintain the online journal can help avoid delays and payment issues that can lead to debt. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate universal credit and avoid potential pitfalls.

The course covers:

■ What is universal credit and who can claim it

■ How to claim and maintain an award

■ Maximising incomes – understanding universal credit amounts and calculations

■ How to avoid pitfalls and deal with common problems

This course is aimed at frontline workers who have little or no experience of the benefit system.

Very clear and easy to understand for beginners

Very useful and informative. It has helped me feel more confident about speaking to our clients about UC

Level - Introductory

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

BENEFITS FOR EEA NATIONALS

DATE 26 & 27 April 2023, Online

DATE 14 & 15 June 2023, Online

DATE 18 & 19 October 2023, Online

DATE 20 & 21 February 2024, Online

The requirement to have a right to reside for key benefits such as universal credit, remains a significant barrier preventing many EEA nationals accessing these benefits. In addition, the immigration status restrictions pose a separate barrier, which affects increasing numbers of EEA nationals in the UK. The law affecting the entitlements of EEA nationals continues to evolve and, to most effectively assist EEA nationals, it is vital that advisers keep up to date.

This standard level course offers a step-by-step approach to enable advisers to ask the key questions and gather the information most useful when assisting EEA nationals to obtain their benefit entitlements.

The course covers:

■ The requirements that restrict access to benefits for EEA nationals in the UK

■ The main groups that can satisfy the right to reside test

■ How to advise EEA nationals with pre-settled status

■ The key questions to determine access to benefits for EEA nationals arriving in the UK recently

This ‘one-day equivalent’ standard level course is aimed at those who advise European nationals on their benefit entitlements. If you also advise non-European nationals, you should also book on the course Benefits for non-EEA nationals.

Really easy to understand, even though so much was covered. Thank you!

Level - Standard

Tutor - Rebecca Walker

Time - 1.30pm – 4.30pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Great training course that will be invaluable to my work. I’ve already been able to directly apply the learning to support my clients.

BENEFITS FOR NON-EEA NATIONALS

DATE 17 & 18 May 2023, Online

DATE 6 & 7 February 2024, Online

Advisers need to understand how different rules fit together to be able to correctly advise non-European nationals on how their immigration affects entitlement to benefits.

This standard level course offers an opportunity for advisers to gain knowledge and confidence by taking a step-by-step approach and looks in-depth at how the rules apply to different scenarios.

The course covers:

■ Who is a ‘person subject to immigration control’

■ Which benefits they are excluded from and the exceptions

■ When a ‘no recourse to public funds’ restriction is relevant

■ How a change in immigration status affects entitlement to benefits

■ The benefit entitlements of someone living with a partner or child with a different immigration status

This ‘one-day equivalent’ standard level course is aimed at those who advise nonEuropean nationals on their benefit entitlements. If you also advise European nationals, you should also book on the course Benefits for EEA nationals.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Rebecca Walker

Time - 1.30pm – 4.30pm each day

CPAG publication

Benefits for Migrants Handbook

Available to buy at cpag.org.uk/bookshop

CPAG’s Benefits for Migrants Handbook has firmly established itself as the leading text on social security entitlement for people who have come to, or who are leaving, the UK.

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

CHALLENGING PIP DECISIONS

DATE 5 & 6 July 2023, Online

DATE 13 & 14 November 2023, Online

Personal independence payment (PIP) was introduced on the same day as universal credit back in 2013 and PIP is now the main disability benefit for working age claimants.

The DWP’s record of PIP decision-making accuracy is possibly the worst of all social security benefits, with nearly 70% of appealed decisions reversed by tribunal judges in favour of claimants. On the downside, many claimants elect not to appeal poor refusal decisions.

This training course looks at how to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal should work to the best advantage of claimants. A good PIP challenge means getting the PIP entitlement arguments right. A well-argued and well-structured revision or appeal should also mean fewer improper refusals. In this way, many claimants will not have to wait 6 months or so before having to go through a formal PIP hearing.

To help achieve the best level of success at challenge, this course looks at the full use of available PIP regulations, case law and guidance.

The course covers:

■ Summary: How the PIP rules operate, assessment criteria, finding the law

■ The primacy of regulations 7 and 4(2A) in relation to PIP

■ Where things go wrong in relation to PIP decision making

■ The failure of PIP2 and poor Health Professional assessments

■ How to ensure good medical evidence to support challenges

■ Legal mechanisms to challenge PIP decisions

■ How to draft an effective PIP challenge – naming the errors and making the case

This training course is aimed at advisers who have a responsibility to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal has the best chance of success.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

CHALLENGING WCA DECISIONS

DATE 19 & 20 June 2023, Online

DATE 18 & 19 October 2023, Online

The WCA is used by the DWP to assess whether someone is sick and is central to claims for employment and support allowance (old or new style) or universal credit. Figures consistently show that WCA decisions are frequently inaccurate and many claimants can hope to succeed at appeal. Something is clearly going wrong.

This online training course looks at how best to optimise WCA challenges by focusing on essential regulations and case law messages. We look at the descriptor route to entitlement, the ‘non-functional descriptor’ safety net, and how WCA challenges can best articulate these lines of argument. We will help you identify the correct entitlement and also examine why DWP assessment mistakes may have arisen. Knowing this will help strengthen the appeals that you assist.

The course covers:

■ Summary: the sickness system, structure, and outcomes

■ Assessment errors: what is going wrong and fixing it

■ Descriptor based entitlements

■ Summary: ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ or ‘Risk to Self or Others’ cases

■ Error points in relation to ESA50/UC50 questionnaire

■ Error points in relation to Health Professional assessments

■ Assessing whether to challenge a sickness decision

■ Drafting a WCA challenge – some ideas

For more effective claims, revisions and appeals see also our experienced-level WCA – exceptional opportunities training.

Very useful course – lots of practical advice

Brilliant course. I feel more confident

Level - Standard

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

DLA FOR CHILDREN

DATE 21 & 22 September 2023, Online

DATE 22 & 23 February 2024, Online

Disability living allowance (DLA) is the main way of meeting the additional needs of many children, yet it is under-claimed and can be hard to understand.

This course, delivered online over 2 consecutive mornings, looks at the DLA rules as they apply to children. It considers how to fill in the form to get the best outcome for the child.

The course covers:

■ The extra care needs a child requires to qualify for DLA

■ Basic milestones in childhood development

■ The impact of stays in residential schools, care homes and hospitals

■ How an award of DLA for a child can increase benefits for the family

Level - Standard

Tutor - Jo Silcox

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

I really can’t praise this course and its delivery enough. Excellent trainer

Huge amount of info delivered by a facilitator who obviously is extremely knowledgeable Exemplary training. Really well done, very accessible, very good grip of delivering via Zoom

INCOME MAXIMISATION FOR OLDER PEOPLE

DATE 19 & 20 April 2023, Online

DATE 10 & 11 July 2023, Online

DATE 6 & 7 November 2023, Online

DATE 7 & 8 February 2024, Online

Older people commonly do not claim all that they are entitled to. This course provides an introduction to pension credit and aims to help you with effective benefit checks to maximise income.

The course covers:

■ State pension

■ Who is eligible for pension credit

■ How to work out guarantee credit entitlement

■ Claiming pension credit and getting paid

■ Benefit checks for older people and ways to maximise income

■ How income and pension pots affect pension credit

■ Housing benefit and help with council tax

■ ‘Passported’ benefits such as fares to hospital

■ How universal credit affects benefits for older people, including ‘mixed age’ couples

■ How disability benefits are affected as state pension age rises

A very comprehensive course that was very well written and delivered

Level - Standard

Tutor - Will Hadwen

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

It really couldn’t have been done better - very clear, substantial but accessible content, excellent delivery - questions really encouraged and handled. I can’t praise it enough

LIMITED CAPABILITY FOR WORK IN UC

DATE 24 May 2023, Online

DATE 4 October 2023, Online

DATE 17 January 2024, Online

This half-day standard level online course looks at how limited capability for work rules affect universal credit. The outcome of the work capability assessment has a crucial role in determining claimants’ work-related requirements as well as the amount of money they get.

The course will also explore how the work capability assessment affects universal credit and how to navigate the process and challenge decisions.

The course covers:

■ What is limited capability for work/limited capability for work-related activity and who may have it already

■ How to start the work capability assessment process in UC

■ The work capability assessment

■ How to challenge decisions on limited capability for work

■ How limited capability for work/limited capability for work-related activity can affect the amount of UC as well as the claimant commitment

This course is aimed at advisers with a working knowledge of universal credit.

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

This was without doubt the best course I have attended on “Zoom” - period! This is not an easy subject to make interesting, but the trainer did. It is also a very complex subject to train, but the trainer did

MENTAL HEALTH AND BENEFITS

DATE 18 & 19 May 2023, Online

DATE 19 & 20 October 2023, Online

DATE 18 & 19 January 2024, Online

This one-day standard level course, delivered online over two consecutive mornings, provides a practical and tactical look at working with people with mental health diagnoses to help them secure full entitlement to benefits, and to help avoid some of the pitfalls of the system.

The course covers:

■ Common diagnoses, symptoms, medication, and side-effects

■ Barriers to people getting the right entitlement

■ Personal independence payment in a mental health context

■ Medical tests for universal credit and employment and support allowance

A basic knowledge of the benefits system is assumed.

Absolutely fantastic training session. Very to the point, but with loads of relevant information. This will enable me to help my clients even more. Thank you CPAG

Level - Standard

Tutor - Jo Silcox

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

I feel much more confident to advise clients on what to include in applications

The advisers found the sessions really beneficial and said it was the best training they’ve ever been on!

STUDENTS AND UNIVERSAL CREDIT

DATE 12 May 2023, Online

DATE 19 July 2023, Online

DATE 8 November 2023, Online

DATE 8 February 2024, Online

The interaction of universal credit with student finance can be a difficult one.

Which students can claim, what they can claim and how student loans and grants affect those payments can be a complex area.

This course is primarily aimed at those who have knowledge of the benefits system but who want to know more about how universal credit works, and is worked-out, for those in higher education. It will cover the essential facts that you need in order to give accurate advice, spot the most common and costly DWP errors and keep you updated on any recent changes.

The course covers:

■ Universal credit for students during term-time and vacations

■ Entitlement for those who may be migrating from legacy benefits

■ Benefits for students in special situations (parents; caring; disability; working; taking time-out)

Please note this course does not cover student related benefit rules which apply only in Scotland.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Gary Vaux

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY LAW AND FINDING IT ONLINE

DATE 24 & 25 April 2023, Online

DATE 13 & 14 November 2023, Online

DATE 4 & 5 March 2024, Online

Entitlement to social security is determined by whether or not a claimant meets the legal rules relevant to the benefit in question. Similarly, the processes that must be followed.

The course covers:

■ The building blocks of the law (acts, regulations and caselaw) and how they relate to one another

■ The usual structure of statute law: commencement dates, definitions, regulation making powers, schedules etc.

■ The overall structure of social security law

■ Developing skills in finding out which law is relevant to your client’s case

■ Where to find the law and guidance online, and effective use of these resources

■ How to properly refer to the law (citation of cases etc.) when doing casework

■ The structure and role of DWP/LA/HMRC guidance and where to find it online

■ An introduction to CPAG’s benefit case diagnostic tools and template submissions to aid effective and accurate casework

This full-day standard level course is suitable for advisers who undertake benefit casework.

Those wanting to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal should also book on our Appeals to the upper tribunal training.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Jessica Strode

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

DATE 24 & 25 April 2023, Online

DATE 11 & 12 July 2023, Online

DATE 30 & 31 October 2023, Online

DATE 19 & 20 February 2024, Online

This training course focuses on universal credit, the centre piece of the government’s welfare reform programme.

Universal credit is at ‘full roll out’ across the UK and applies to working age claimants whether they are in work or not. UC comes with a reputation for delays and problems relating to poor decision-making, as well as difficulties arising from the UC computer system.

The course covers:

■ The basic rules that define UC entitlement

■ Work search conditionality

■ The impact of early Migration

■ How claims are processed

■ Changes of circumstances

■ Assisting vulnerable clients

■ Summary: What happens when Managed Migration arrives

■ How UC is calculated (summary)

■ UC Maximum Amount versus Income - overview

For dedicated training on UC migration, see our Universal credit – managed migration training and experienced level universal credit courses.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

This course provided an excellent overview, refresh and update of a complex benefit

UNIVERSAL CREDIT AND WORK

DATE 16 June 2023, Online

DATE 25 January 2024, Online

This course is aimed at frontline advisers helping UC claimants into work.

It provides an understanding of how earnings from employment and self-employment affect UC entitlement and conditionality. But will everyone be better off in work? The course will help advisers understand the complex surplus earnings and surplus losses rules and the minimum income floor.

The course covers:

■ Who has to look for work

■ What counts as earnings

■ The impact of earnings on UC payments and conditionality

■ The issues with self-employment, including the minimum income floor

This course is aimed at frontline advisers with a working knowledge of UC.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm

CPAG publication

Universal Credit: what you need to know Available to buy at cpag.org.uk/bookshop

You don’t need to be an expert – with this books help, you can deal with your clients’ queries. It includes specific information for particular groups of people, such as lone parents and people with a disability, and contains dozens of examples illustrating how the rules apply in practice.

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNIVERSAL CREDIT –HOUSING COSTS

DATE 13 & 14 July 2023, Online

DATE 16 & 17 November 2023, Online

DATE 21 & 22 March 2024, Online

Universal credit claimants often have difficulties getting their Housing Costs element included in their claim and having the right amount paid on time.

This one-day course, delivered over two consecutive mornings, focuses on the practical aspects of help towards rent in UC.

It will include an overview of the claim and verification process, who is eligible for housing costs in their UC award, common problems preventing correct payment of Housing Costs element and how to check payment amounts and dates.

The course also covers how and when to apply for Alternative Payment Arrangements and direct deductions for rent arrears, and relevant regulations for challenging administrative errors.

The course covers:

■ Who can still claim housing benefit

■ The eligibility rules for housing costs

■ Local housing allowance rules and the bedroom tax

■ Calculating and checking entitlement amount

■ The rent verification process

■ Recognising possible reasons for rent shortfall

Level - Standard

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Really engaging and useful training, would recommend to colleagues

NEW UNIVERSAL CREDIT –MANAGED MIGRATION

DATE 20 July 2023, Online

DATE 10 November 2023, Online

Migrating legacy benefit claimants to universal credit has begun. How and when will this impact the clients/tenants you support? If they are entitled to transitional protection, when will this reduce or stop?

This course aims to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to help your service users navigate the migration to universal credit.

The course covers:

■ The Migration process

■ Transitional protection

■ Delaying the migration process

■ What happens if a claim for UC is not made by the deadline date

■ The exemptions for tax credit claimants and students not usually entitled to UC

This course is aimed at advisers with a working knowledge of UC.

Level - Standard

Tutor - Barbara Alexander

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

NEW USING MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN BENEFIT APPEALS

DATE 15 & 16 May 2023, Online

DATE 11 & 12 September 2023, Online

This course looks at how to use medical evidence effectively, particularly in personal independence payment, disability living allowance and universal credit appeals.

It considers how to deal with the traps and pitfalls appellants commonly encounter after disclosing GP notes and specialist letters. It informs advocates and advisers how to make best use of medical evidence. It examines what the tribunal is looking for, and how to ensure your client gets the maximum benefit from medical evidence obtained.

The course covers:

■ What medical evidence should be obtained

■ How to obtain medical evidence (without payment)

■ What the tribunal is looking for – and how to get it

■ Anticipating, and helping your client deal with, difficult questions that the Tribunal are likely to ask

■ Using medical evidence to show the functional limitations which are likely to lead to an award

This course is aimed at anyone who helps people to prepare welfare benefit appeals. Learning on this course will be practical, and mostly by way of case studies and exercises, involving appeal bundles and medical notes, simulating real appeals in which medical evidence is presented.

Level - Standard

Tutor - David Roberts

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

APPEALS TO THE UPPER TRIBUNAL

DATE 6 & 7 June 2023, Online

DATE 18 & 19 September 2023, Online

DATE 5 & 6 December 2023, Online

DATE 19 & 20 March 2024, Online

This course is essential for anyone who wants to challenge decisions of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) effectively. The main aim of the course is to give you an understanding of what is an error of law, and practice in finding errors of law in the First-tier Tribunal statement of reasons.

The course covers:

■ Exploring other ways of changing First-tier Tribunal decisions

■ Finding errors of law in the statement of reasons

■ Format of an application of appeal to the Upper Tribunal

■ Procedures from First-tier to Upper Tribunal

■ Preparing submissions to the Upper Tribunal

This course is aimed at advisers with knowledge and experience of being able to find relevant law. If not, see our Understanding social security law and finding it online training.

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Martin Williams

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

I just wanted to say how enjoyable and helpful the course was. I learnt a great deal which has not only massively expanded my knowledge in terms of UT cases, but also given me some food for thought around how I can maximise the impact of my future FT subs on behalf of clients. Entertaining and very interesting with some great strategic points. Another fab course from CPAG

BENEFITS FOR EEA NATIONALS –ADVANCED

DATE 5 & 6 July 2023, Online

DATE 1 & 2 November 2023, Online

DATE 5 & 6 March 2024, Online

This experienced level course looks in detail at the social security rights of EEA nationals in the UK. It provides an opportunity for advisers who are familiar with some of the more commonly occurring scenarios to focus on specific complex areas and recent significant developments.

The course covers:

■ The main ways in which the European co-ordination rules can affect entitlements to disability, carer’s and child benefits, and how to determine who these rules apply to

■ Recent significant changes in legislation and caselaw, in particular affecting which EEA nationals can access benefits that require a right to reside

This course is aimed at those who advise European nationals on their benefit entitlement regularly and help with challenging decisions. Those with less experience should book instead on the standard level course Benefits for EEA nationals.

If you also advise non-European nationals you should also book on the course Benefits for non-EEA nationals. Enjoyed the course - very complex content delivered in an accessible way. Thanks!

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Rebecca Walker

Time - 1.30pm – 4.30pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Possibly the most thorough course I have ever been on – and thoroughness and attention to detail is just what is needed with this client group! Invaluable

BEST PRACTICE IN COMPLETING THE PIP QUESTIONNAIRE

DATE 17 & 18 May 2023, Online

DATE 13 & 14 July 2023, Online

DATE 2 & 3 November 2023, Online

DATE 26 & 27 February 2024, Online

This one-day course, held over two consecutive mornings, summarises how the PIP claim process or ‘journey’ works and the importance of the PIP2 questionnaire. It looks at what makes a good PIP claim, and also at the limitations of the PIP2 questionnaire. We look how it can be optimised using the regulations, guidance and case law.

The course covers:

■ Summary: the legal basis of PIP entitlement

■ How points flow from PIP ‘activities’ and ‘descriptors’

■ The role of the PIP2 questionnaire to generate information

■ How PIP2 matches up or fails to match up to PIP ‘descriptors’

■ How a defective questionnaire response can cause trouble

■ How to use PIP regulations 7 and 4(2A) to assist in making good claims

■ How PIP case law provides very useful guidance to advisers

■ How to improve on the standard PIP2 form

■ How to complete the questionnaire with an eye to tribunal judge scrutiny, if an appeal becomes necessary

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

Previously, I think I completed forms as a helpful friend; now I hope to complete them as a professional

I just wanted to write to say how valuable I thought the training was. The idea of producing a ‘Weapons Grade’ application is a brilliant next level approach that more people should adopt

CHALLENGING DECISIONS –UNDERSTANDING DECISIONS, REVISIONS AND SUPERSESSIONS

DATE 23 & 24 May 2023, Online

DATE 10 & 11 October 2023, Online

DATE 5 & 6 February 2024, Online

If you are an adviser who faces barriers to overcoming problems with universal credit or other benefit decisions, this course gives you the essential knowledge you need to understand the decision-making procedures and rules. To successfully challenge a benefits decision, understanding where it fits within this decision-making machinery can make all the difference to questions such as:

■ The effective date of the decision (can a sought-after increase be paid from a much earlier date for example)

■ Whether the Decision Maker is legally entitled to revisit the decision in the way they have done (for example can they remove entitlement retrospectively)

■ Whether a new claim needs to be made and the effects on ongoing disputes if it is and a new decision is given.

■ Whether the matter can be resolved at all via the usual decision-making process or whether judicial review is appropriate.

■ Whether the Decision Maker on a new claim can take a different view than previously about an issue.

This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to navigating the “decision based system” of benefit entitlements set out in Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1998. This will help advisers identify the right way to get decisions changed and get processes unblocked, and so get the best outcome for claimants.

The course covers:

■ Ways a decision can be made and then changed: decisions, revisions and supersessions in overview

■ Understanding the elements of a decision – determinations, outcome decisions, effect of notification on rights

■ Relevance of time limits and grounds for revisions

■ Relevance of time limits and grounds for supersessions (late notification of changes, when notification date is irrelevant)

■ Issues in cases where grounds for revision or supersession need to be shown: effective dates, arguing grounds do not exist, outcome following grounds etc)

■ Mandatory reconsideration - where this fits and how it affects appeal rights

■ Common DWP errors in decision making processes

■ Using judicial review in case work

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Martin Williams

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

‘COMPLEX NEEDS’ STATUS FOR UC CLAIMANTS

DATE 14 & 15 June 2023, Online

DATE 19 & 20 September 2023, Online

DATE 29 & 30 November 2023, Online

DATE 4 & 5 March 2024, Online

This full-day online training course explains how the universal credit (UC) ‘Complex Needs’ rules work, who is covered and what this should mean for UC claimants. It also covers how you can ensure the DWP recognises ‘Complex Needs’ status.

The course covers:

■ The challenges that UC presents to claimants

■ Evidence of how claimant vulnerability can affect a UC claim or award

■ Implications of ‘Complex Needs’ for the UC claimant

■ What does ‘Complex Needs’ mean to the DWP?

■ Who is most likely to attain ‘Complex Needs’ status?

■ What this status should then mean for claimants

■ How can we help the DWP to accept Complex Needs status?

■ Requesting ‘Complex Needs’ status

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

A very interesting and relevant course with lots of very useful and practical, informative points that assist in a working case scenario. Lots of information that can assist to win a case at tribunal or when making a complaint

HOW ‘RELIABILITY’ REGULATION 4(2A) CAN SAVE PIP

DATE 8 June 2023, Online

DATE 5 October 2023, Online

DATE 31 January 2024, Online

This half-day online training course explains how PIP entitlement ‘points’ can be scored if you show you cannot do something ‘reliably’.

In this way, understanding reliability regulation 4(2A) is vital to your understanding of who qualifies for PIP, and accordingly how you can support PIP claims and appeals.

The course covers:

■ How PIP is supposed to work

■ What goes wrong at the PIP assessment stage?

■ The importance of reliability regulation 4(2A)

■ The interplay between regulations 7 and 4(2A)

■ How regulation 4(2A) sets the reliability standard

■ Whether you can do something safely

■ Whether you can do something to an acceptable standard

■ Whether you can do something repeatedly

■ Whether you can do something in a reasonable time period

■ How PIP case law can be very helpful

■ How to use regulation 4(2A) to improve PIP claims and challenges

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

One of the best courses I’ve been on in a LONG time

Really helpful, stimulating and thought provoking

JUDICIAL REVIEW

DATE 26 & 27 June 2023

DATE 30 & 31 October 2023

DATE 29 & 30 January 2024

Judicial review is an essential tool for challenging decisions that affect benefit and tax credit claimants where there is no right of appeal. This interactive course gives advisers a clear understanding of its potential use and helps them to develop their skills in challenging unlawful decision-making.

In increasing areas of the benefit system, rights of appeal have been removed, decision making has become discretionary and legal aid is no longer available. As a result, judicial review has become a more important a remedy than ever. Delays, discretionary benefit decisions and claim ‘gatekeeping’ are just three examples of areas where judicial review could be necessary, and which advisers are more likely to encounter as a result of welfare reform.

The course covers:

■ What is judicial review?

■ Which benefit and tax credit decisions may be challenged by judicial review?

■ Challenging decisions of the DWP, HMRC and local authorities

■ Judicial review in and/or against the Tribunal

■ How to draft a pre-action letter

■ Judicial review procedure

■ CPAG test case update

This course will be useful for advisers who want to expand their knowledge, as well as advisers who want to start using judicial review to resolve intractable welfare benefit decisions for their clients without litigation and to learn how to make a referral to a solicitor when necessary.

Attendees may also be interested in attending our Understanding social security law and finding it online training.

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Jessica Strode

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

SOCIAL SECURITY LAW UPDATE

DATE 28 & 29 June 2023, Online

DATE 1 & 2 November 2023, Online

DATE 27 & 28 March 2024, Online

Social security law and tax credit law can change from day to day and advisers need to keep abreast of developments to advise their clients correctly.

Arranged under topic headings and concentrating on regulations and caselaw, this essential two-morning course looks at the most important changes in benefit and tax credits law from the previous six months.

The course covers:

■ Decisions of the High Court, Court of Appeal, Court of Session and Supreme Court, as well as the European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights

■ Selected decisions of the Upper Tribunal

■ Significant changes to Acts and regulations

Great course. Always need updates for my job and this did just that. It was also good to chat through scenarios with other benefit specialists and the trainer

This was a first-class course with plenty of legal detail. A course of this calibre can be hard to find. The trainer has a very pleasant manner, and both led the course and delivered the content magnificently. Very impressed and want to say thank you. Excellent value for money

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Simon Osborne

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

STICK OR TWIST? JUMPING SHIP TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT

DATE 12 & 13 June 2023, Online

DATE 20 & 21 November 2023, Online

DATE 18 & 19 March 2024, Online

Around 6 million people have claimed universal credit, but several million are still on Legacy benefits. Changes to the rules in 2021 made it easier to switch to UC, but is switching a good choice?

This problem is made more acute by DWP announcements that full UC migration may not be completed until 2028 – leaving an unresolved position for maybe 5 more years.

Many Legacy claimants are better off delaying a move to UC, but others should consider switching ASAP. The right choice may be complicated, and advisers should not depend on a simple ‘better off’ calculation. This course considers best practice and looks for a more systematic approach.

The course covers:

■ The move from Legacy benefits to UC

■ Who has a choice and why

■ The residual impact of the abolished SDP Gateway regulation and the ‘Transitional (SDP) Element’ left in its place

■ How much can be at risk if you move, and for how long

■ Who are the winners and losers?

■ Do you need a ‘crystal ball’ to assist your clients?

■ Developing a system or pro forma to assist claimants

This course is aimed at advisers with knowledge and experience of advising on UC. Those less experienced should book first on the introductory level course Universal credit – an introduction or standard level Universal credit training.

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

The course was extremely helpful and the materials provided are an excellent resource

NEW UNIVERSAL CREDIT MIGRATION –THE END OF THE LINE

DATE 22 & 23 May 2023, Online

DATE 13 & 14 September 2023, Online

DATE 29 & 30 January 2024, Online

Some claimants receiving ‘Legacy’ benefits under the old rules may elect to ‘jump ship’ early onto UC because they think it is better for them, or because they have been encouraged to do so by the DWP or other officials. This can result in winners and losers, with no way back.

Other Legacy claimants are sitting tight, waiting for a UC ‘migration’ letter from the DWP that will propel them into UC, at the risk of losing all their Legacy benefits if they fail to comply.

The course covers:

■ Legacy claimants who may opt to switch to UC as early migrators

■ Summary: Who may be better off or worse off if they choose to jump ship, including special UC support for disabled claimants still on Legacy benefits

■ How Legacy benefit claimants can protect themselves now

■ How much transitional support early migrators may get if they switch early

■ How that support may erode or be lost

■ What will happen when managed migration eventually arrives

■ How the managed migration process will work

■ Deadlines and final deadlines

■ How much transitional support will be payable under managed migration

■ How that support may erode or be lost

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNIVERSAL CREDIT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

DATE 5 & 6 June 2023, Online

DATE 16 & 17 October 2023, Online

DATE 11 & 12 March 2024, Online

This one-day experienced level online course looks at the universal credit rules that particularly affect ill or disabled people.

It will equip you to advise clients about the transfer to UC, whether through ‘managed’ or ‘natural’ migration. You will also explore how the work capability assessment affects UC and the effect of working for disabled people claiming the benefit.

The course covers:

■ The latest rules on when disabled people may have to claim UC, and the consequences of claiming, including backdating rules

■ When a transitional element may apply (including transitional SDP)

■ Transitional rules for those moving from employment and support allowance

■ How to deal with work capability assessment problems and challenge decisions on limited capability for work

■ The consequences of work capability assessment outcomes in UC

■ How work affects the UC award for disabled claimants

■ How other disability benefits may affect UC claimants

This course is aimed at advisers with knowledge and experience of advising on UC.

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Will Hadwen

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

UNIVERSAL CREDIT –UPDATE AND TACTICS

DATE 21 & 22 June 2023, Online

DATE 8 & 9 November 2023, Online

DATE 13 & 14 March 2024, Online

Universal credit changes all the time, as the law is amended, as it is implemented in practice, and as local delivery changes.

This course is an opportunity for experienced advisers to get up to date with the latest developments. You will be able to share experiences of universal credit and discuss legal and practical approaches to best support clients.

The course covers:

■ Changes made as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

■ Other changes to the law and recent caselaw affecting UC

■ Current legal challenges

■ Common practical problems in UC and approaches to tackle them

This course is aimed at advisers with knowledge and experience of advising on UC. Those less experienced should book first on the introductory level course Universal credit – an introduction or standard level Universal credit training.

Thank you

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Sarah Batty

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

This was one of the best courses I have attended!

So relevant and easy to follow with detailed and relevant information and examples. This will definitely help me in my day-to-day work.

WCA – EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

DATE 3 & 4 July 2023, Online

DATE 27 & 28 November 2023, Online

DATE 25 & 26 March 2024, Online

The work capability assessment (WCA) test dominates ESA and UC in relation to sick claimants. The ‘exceptional circumstances test (otherwise ‘risk to self or others’) should apply with equal force to those denied WCA points, but is often neglected by DWP decision makers and it does not even feature in the ESA50 / UC50 assessment forms.

If ignored, many claimants will suffer because this vital route to entitlement is being unjustly disregarded, including those with mental health problems.

The course covers:

■ WCA regulations relevant to ‘exceptional circumstances’

■ The relevance of current case law to assist us

■ Particular problem areas in relation to exceptional circumstances

■ How to set out exceptional circumstances clearly in a claim format

■ Using the law and case law to issue an effective revision or appeal

This online training course will help ensure that ‘exceptional circumstances’ rules are properly applied using regulations, guidance and case law. This will mean more effective claims, revisions and appeals.

For more expansive training aimed at frontline advisers helping UC claimants into work, please also see our Challenging WCA decisions training course.

Fantastic training, paced well, plenty of space to discuss

Very interactive and directly relevant. Set at just the right level. Course leader excellent

Level - Experienced

Tutor - Steve Johnson

Time - 10am – 1pm each day

For more information and to book a place, please visit our website cpag.org.uk/training

TRAINERS

Barbara Alexander is a welfare rights adviser and freelance trainer currently working for a large welfare rights team. She has delivered welfare rights advice, representation and training for over 20 years with a number of organisations including CA, Refuge, Shelter and Gingerbread.

Sarah Batty has been working in welfare rights since 1995 when she became a Citizens Advice volunteer. She has since worked in local authorities, housing associations and voluntary organisations as a welfare rights adviser, trainer and manager. She has also been an MP caseworker. Sarah completed a master’s degree in social policy in 2017 and is currently a team leader at Durham County Council. In her spare time, she plays the clarinet and enjoys walking.

Will Hadwen works as a benefits trainer and a locum adviser for charities including Citizens Advice. As a freelancer, Will also works on the CPAG in Scotland advice line and on CPAG’s Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook.

Steve Johnson has been a welfare benefits trainer and advocate for many years and has over 30 years’ experience working as a professional adviser and manager within the Citizens Advice service. His current clients include CPAG, Citizens Advice outlets, local authority welfare rights and housing advisers, charities from the benevolent sector, housing associations, as well as solicitor pro bono units.

Simon Osborne is a welfare rights worker at CPAG. He is content consultant and an author of the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook, editor of and contributor to the Welfare Rights Bulletin, author of Winning Your Benefit Appeal and contributor to Legal Action magazine.

Steph Pike is an experienced welfare rights adviser and currently works for Harrow Law Centre. She is a freelance trainer in welfare benefits and is also the author of the 3rd edition of CPAG’s Personal Independence Payment: What You Need to Know guide.

David Roberts worked as an adviser and solicitor undertaking cases in housing community care and welfare benefits law for about 20 years. He has taught public law in various universities and has worked as a part time tribunal judge for the last 11 years. He is an experienced trainer who likes to tailor courses to delegate’s needs and encourages learning by doing - through case studies and exercises.

Jo Silcox has over 30 years’ experience in welfare rights. She currently works at Harrow Law Centre and for the Money Advice unit of a large County Council. Jo has many years’ experience of complex case work, representation at tribunals and training. In addition, she is a freelance trainer in welfare benefits and she was the Social Security Caseworker at FRU for 7 years.

Jessica Strode is a welfare rights worker and the judicial review project worker at CPAG. She provides advice and support to the advice sector on using judicial review in social security matters, authors the judicial review chapter of the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook and contributes to the Welfare Rights Bulletin.

Gary Vaux has been involved in welfare rights work for many years and is currently head of an advice service in a large County Council. Gary is also a freelance author, trainer, policy adviser and trustee of a number of voluntary advice services.

Rebecca Walker has worked in welfare rights since 1993 including for various citizens advice bureaux, Terrence Higgins Trust, Refugee Outreach and Advice Partnership and LASA. She is currently an advice worker with Citizens Advice Sheffield, and a freelance trainer and writer on welfare rights. For over ten years she has been an author of the Benefits for Migrants Handbook, the Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook and the Disability Rights Handbook.

Martin Williams is a welfare rights worker at CPAG. He is widely experienced in representing claimants at both levels within the tribunal system, having worked in the appeals team at Lasa from 2001 until 2008. He is currently an author of CPAG’s Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit: the legislation.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

GATHERING EVIDENCE AND USING IT TO INFLUENCE CHANGE

We set up the Early Warning System (EWS) to help us to get a better understanding of how changes to the benefit system like the introduction of universal credit, the benefit cap and the two-child limit will affect the lives of children and their families.

To date, over 6000 case studies have been gathered from frontline workers, including welfare rights advisers, housing officers and support workers.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

If you or any of your colleagues work with families who have been affected by changes to the benefit system, and you think that someone needs to know about their experience, then you might want to get involved.

If you would be interested in submitting case studies or have any queries about the EWS please get in touch.

Email: ews@cpag.org.uk

Web form: cpag.org.uk/contactEWS

FIND OUT MORE

For further information and to view our EWS resources, Reports and policy briefings please visit website: cpag.org.uk/early-warning-system

MEMBERSHIP

BECOME A MEMBER OF CPAG

Print CPAG membership (annual) costs £61 and gives you these benefits:

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP PRINT

■ A subscription to a print version of our Poverty journal, published three times per year

■ 15% discount on books and subscriptions (for the person holding the membership)

■ NEW 10% discount on training and events (for the person holding the membership)

■ The opportunity to attend and vote at the CPAG AGM

Online CPAG membership (annual) costs £55 and gives you these benefits:

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP ONLINE

■ A subscription to the online version of our Poverty journal, published three times per year

■ 15% discount on books and subscriptions (for the person holding the membership)

■ NEW 10% discount on training and events (for the person holding the membership)

■ The opportunity to attend and vote at the CPAG AGM

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve launched an organisational membership option which gives you and your team access to the following benefits:

■ A subscription to a print version of our Poverty journal, published three times per year

NEW ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

■ A subscription for up to 10 or 30 named members of staff to the online version of our Poverty journal, published three times per year

■ 15% discount on books and subscriptions (for up to 10 or 30 named members of staff)

■ NEW 10% discount on training and events (for up to 10 or 30 named members of staff)

■ The opportunity to attend and vote at the CPAG AGM (one representative per organisation)

Small organisational membership

– up to 10 log ins: £125

Large organisational membership

– up to 30 log ins: £350

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SURE YOUR ADVICE IS ALWAYS CORRECT WITH AN ASKCPAG SUBSCRIPTION

MAKE

■ gives you access to regularly-updated online books, time-saving tools, and articles

■ saves you time when it comes toworking out benefit entitlements

■ offers solutions if you need to challenge unfavourable decisions

HELP YOU TO DO YOUR JOB?

■ Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook: Our flagship publication is fully searchable and updated throughout the year. The handbook is an essential resource for all professional advisers, ensuring their advice is always correct and up-to-date.

■ Library: The ever-growing library includes new books such as the Fuel Rights Handbook and the Mental Health and Benefits Handbook. Many of these are available free, thanks to partnerships we’ve built.

■ Tools: Our tools and template letters

❏ help you identify the correct position for your client in complicated areas of welfare rights entitlement; and

❏ produce letters tailored to your client’s circumstances to challenge unfavourable decisions.

■ Articles: Free to read, these highlights from our Welfare Rights Bulletin give up-to-the-minute commentary and analysis of social security law and practice.

HOW DOES WHAT OUR USERS SAY

AskCPAG is a brilliant resource for advisers. The tools and articles are very useful and the Welfare Rights Handbook is fantastic and very easy to use and navigate. Everyone working in welfare rights should sign up to AskCPAG!

It is crucial to doing my job effectively.

The best reference tool in the benefits area.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

*Price includes VAT

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please contact

CPAG PUBLICATIONS 2023/24

CPAG handbooks help you maximise your clients’ incomes, so they get all the benefits and cost of living support they’re entitled to. So make sure you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips and if you’re using an old copy, renew it today.

All our online publications are updated throughout the year on AskCPAG, our website for advisers.

WELFARE BENEFITS AND TAX CREDITS HANDBOOK, 25TH EDITION

Written by experts, CPAG’s annually updated Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook is the definitive guide to the social security system. Tactical guidance and examples are included throughout to help you navigate an increasingly complex social security system. The Handbook is also fully indexed and cross-referenced to legislation, official guidance and caselaw.

Don’t forget to order your A2 wall chart, which gives you quick and easy access to the benefit and tax credit rates for 2023/24. Also available as a handy A4 chart. See order form for prices.

Cover price £76 | CPAG member price £64.60 | April 2023

HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION LEGISLATION, 36TH EDITION

This annual title from CPAG contains all the relevant primary and secondary legislation governing housing benefit and the council tax reduction schemes in England, Wales and Scotland. With expert commentary on the rules, the latest caselaw, official guidance and advice on administrative and practical issues, it is an essential resource for anyone dealing with housing benefit enquiries, especially those preparing and presenting appeals, as well as lawyers, local authority staff and housing organisations.

Cover price £142 | CPAG member price £120.70 | December 2023

CHILD SUPPORT: THE LEGISLATION, 16TH EDITION

This latest edition of Child Support: The Legislation contains the primary and secondary legislation relating to the statutory child support scheme, together with expert commentary by Judge Edward Jacobs. Also included are the procedural rules for the First-tier and Upper Tribunals, together with authoritative analysis of decisions made by the courts to show how the law has been interpreted and applied.

Cover price £130 | CPAG member price £110.50 | September 2023

GENERAL HANDBOOKS

DEBT ADVICE HANDBOOK, 15TH EDITION

Our Debt Advice Handbook, details the debt advice process in England and Wales and the skills needed to give good advice. No money adviser should be without this essential guide. It provides the information that advisers need on the key stages of money advice, including interviewing clients, establishing liability, prioritising debts, preparing a financial statement, negotiating with creditors and dealing with enforcement officers.

Cover price £49.50 | CPAG member price £42.08 |

February 2024

FUEL RIGHTS HANDBOOK, 21ST EDITION

CPAG’s Fuel Rights Handbook provides advisers with the information they need to help their clients cope with rising fuel bills, debt, and problems with their fuel supply. With an emphasis on the legal protection of vulnerable consumers, and on practical advice pursuing complaints and compensation, this handbook covers all aspects of the rights of gas and electricity consumers.

Cover price £38.50 |

CPAG member price £32.73 |

October 2023

COUNCIL TAX HANDBOOK, 14TH EDITION

This new edition of the Council Tax Handbook covers all recent changes to legislation, caselaw and court procedures and practice. It explains who is liable, how homes are valued and discounts, as well as how to challenge a decision and what to do if a client has built up arrears. It also covers, in detail, the council tax reduction schemes in England, Wales and Scotland.

Cover price £38.50 | CPAG member price £32.73 | June 2023

CHILD SUPPORT HANDBOOK, 31ST EDITION

Written for parents and their advisers, the annual Child Support Handbook is the standard practical guide to the statutory child maintenance scheme in England, Wales and Scotland. Practical examples and tactical tips for dealing with the Child Maintenance Service are included throughout, and the book is fully indexed and cross referenced with the latest legislation and caselaw.

Cover price £49.50 | CPAG member price £42.08 | October 2023

BENEFITS FOR MIGRANTS HANDBOOK, 14TH EDITION

CPAG’s Benefits for Migrants Handbook has firmly established itself as the leading text on social security entitlement for people who have come to, or who are leaving, the UK.

It is the essential guide for claimants needing to demonstrate their right to reside or check how immigration status affects access to benefits, including families with different immigration statuses; refugees and people from Ukraine and Afghanistan; asylum seekers needing details of support; British citizens returning from abroad; and other migrants who need to navigate the immigration and benefit rules.

You can buy this book in a bundle with our A2 right to reside wall chart. Used together, they will help get you identify who has a right to reside for benefit purposes. See the order form for bundle prices.

Cover price £45.00 | CPAG member price £38.25 | OUT NOW

MENTAL HEALTH AND BENEFITS HANDBOOK, 1ST EDITION

Created by CPAG in collaboration with Mind, the Mental Health and Benefits Handbook is a comprehensive guide to benefits for people who have mental health problems. It provides practical advice and guidance for the different stages of benefit claims and assessments and the problems that might be encountered during the process.

The handbook includes an overview of various mental health symptoms and gives guidance about how and when to ask about them and how to give good advice and support.

Cover price £38.50 | CPAG member price £32.73 | June 2023

BENEFIT AND TAX CREDIT RATES CHARTS

Our A2 and A4 charts give you quick and easy access to the benefit and tax credit rates for 2022/23. See the order form for bundle offers and prices.

For more information about our books, visit cpag.org.uk/shop or contact bookorders@cpag.org.uk with any queries.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, 7TH EDITION

Learn what you need to know about universal credit with this fully updated edition of our bestselling, easy-to-follow guide. You don’t need to be an expert – with its help, you can deal with your clients’ queries. It covers all the rules, including how to work out the amount of benefit, how to calculate earnings, the ‘two-child limit’, the work-related requirements, sanctions, the right to reside and challenging decisions.

Cover price £16 | CPAG member price £13.60 | OUT NOW

FINANCIAL HELP FOR FAMILIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, 4TH EDITION

Despite struggling to make ends meet, many families do not claim all the financial support to which they are entitled. Financial Help for Families: what you need to know is for you if you work with families and want to help maximise their income or deal with a benefit problem. It covers all the main benefits, as well as other important financial support for children, such as child maintenance and help with childcare and school costs.

Cover price £16 | CPAG member price £13.60 | OUT NOW

PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, 3RD EDITION

Our popular guide to personal independence payment tells you all you need to know about the benefit in a clear, accessible and easy to follow way.

With lots of practical tips and examples, it provides all the information you need in one quick and comprehensive guide.

Cover price £16 | CPAG member price £13.60 | OUT NOW

WINNING YOUR BENEFIT APPEAL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, 4TH EDITION

This guide gives you all the essential information you need to prepare and present a successful appeal at the First-tier Tribunal. It outlines the whole process, from preparing an appeal and writing a submission, to what happens at the hearing, getting the decision and what happens afterwards. Plenty of examples and practical tips, particularly to help with appeals about illness and disability, a useful glossary of terms and a sample submission are included.

Cover price £16 | CPAG member price £13.60 | OUT NOW

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Please return this form to bookorders@cpag.org.uk or by post: 30 Micawber Street, London, N1 7TB.

FREE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ON ASKCPAG

AskCPAG.org.uk hosts lots of free to access online handbooks, resources and information. Regularly updated, they ensure advisers have access to accurate information on rights and the law.

Free to access online are:

The Fuel Rights Handbook covering all aspects of the rights of gas and electricity consumers in England, Wales and Scotland

Our best-selling Debt Advice Handbook providing comprehensive information on the key stages of money advice

The new Mental Health and Benefits Handbook, published in collaboration with Mind, is a comprehensive guide to benefits for people who have mental health problems, providing practical advice and guidance

Topic areas including our new Cost of living topic area featuring time-saving, printable checklists to help you find additional sources of support for your clients after you’ve completed a general benefit check.

CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP

30 Micawber Street

London N1 7TB tel 020 7837 7979

email info@cpag.org.uk

web cpag.org.uk

@CPAGUK /cpaguk

Child Poverty Action Group is a charity registered in England and Wales (registration number 294841) and in Scotland (registration number SC039339). Company limited by guarantee registered in England (registration number 1993854). VAT no. 690 8081 17

Registered office: 30 Micawber Street, London N1 7TB