18 November 2007
We've finally found the time to arrange some open training days in Bristol. For more details, visit the open training page.
Making the best possible disability living allowance and attendance allowance claims
Tuesday 29 January 2008 10am - 4.00pm
"Excellent, informative and very practical training." Fleur Birks, National Autistic Society.
". . . would recommend to any colleagues who require training/knowledge of benefits. [Trainer] An encyclopaedia of benefits (DLA) knowledge!" Harminder Sangha, Sandwell Advocacy.
"Excellent day. Many hints and tips on filling in DLA and AA forms." Jackie Smith, Torfaen Opportunity Group.
This one day course is intended to leave you feeling confident and genuinely enthusiastic about helping your clients claim these valuable benefits. No previous knowledge of disability living allowance or attendance allowance is required. By the end of the day you will have learnt how to:
- identify clients who may be eligible for disability living allowance or attendance allowance on mental or physical health grounds;
- help complete the claim packs, including online, interactive claim packs;
- help clients get supporting medical and non-medical evidence;
- help clients prepare for a medical visit;
- help clients access professional support in relation to their claim.
Introduction to benefits
Friday 29 February 2008 10am - 4.00pm
"Very, very, useful. A good introduction and overview." Sally McDonald, Cyrenians Cymru.
"Very useful. The trainer was very good and held our attention for the day." Katherine Burke, Dyfrig House.
This basic one day course is suitable for staff with no previous knowledge of the benefit system. It does not involve benefit calculations and is ideal for staff who do not need a specialist knowledge of benefits or tax credits. By the end of the day the you will:
- have an overview of the benefits/tax credits system;
- be able to signpost clients to appropriate benefits/tax credits
- know how to make claims for different benefits/tax credits;
- know which benefits/tax credits are most underclaimed.
Disability living allowance and attendance allowance appeal tribunals
Thursday 20 March 2008 10am - 4.00pm
"Excellent. One of the most useful courses I have been on. I feel much more confident about taking clients through appeals." Jane Stanfield, Carers Gloucestershire.
"Excellent tutor, knows the subject and keeps it very interesting." Stuart Hales, Kennet CAB.
"Excellent course, very useful and informative" Tahira Rafiq, East Bristol Advice Centre.
Whether you wish simply to help clients have a better understanding of the process they are enduring or you intend to accompany clients to oral hearings and help them give evidence, this one-day course will give you the knowledge and confidence to make a real difference to the outcome.
The day is suitable for anyone with basic knowledge of disability living allowance or attendance allowance (feel free to contact us if you're uncertain if this course is right for you) and is particularly aimed not just at advice workers but also at support staff, such as housing workers, social workers and advocates. By the end of the day participants will know:
- how to ensure the tribunal do not treat you as an experienced representative if you are not one
- how to complete an appeal form
- how to get supporting evidence, including buying medical evidence
- how to get help from solicitors, law centres and advice agencies
- how to understand the appeal papers
- whether and how to do a written submission
- how to help your client prepare for the appeal hearing
- how to help your client give accurate evidence on the day
- how to give evidence to the tribunal yourself
- how to deal with difficult tribunal members
Basic money advice new course
Tuesday 8 April 2008 10am - 4.00pm
This course covers the main types of debt including rent, mortgages, HP, overdrafts, personal loans, credit cards, mail order and store cards, and benefit overpayments. Trainees work through the money advice process using examples and exercises. At the end of the course there is the opportunity to look at common court forms and procedures. By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of the reasons for debt
- identify the nature and extent of the debt
- check liability for a debt
- understand the difference between priority and non priority creditors
- identify ways to maximise income
- draw up a financial statement
- understand how to negotiate with creditors, and calculate and make suitable offers to creditors
For more details, visit the open training page.
© 2007 Steve Donnison
