Citizens Advice Devon Training on Benefits

Thousands of people in Devon have been or will be affected by changes to the benefit system including changes to disability benefits, support for housing costs and council tax and the introduction of universal credit. This new benefit replaces six existing benefits for people on low incomes and is the most significant change to the benefit system since the introduction of the welfare state in 1948. It is being rolled out in Devon on a phased basis from 2018 onwards and the changes will affect one in four families.

Local organisations that support people likely to be affected by these changes – which includes disabled people, young people, older people, families with children, people in low paid employment as well those who are unemployed – can book on to our training to keep up to date with the changes and find out what it means for the people you support. You will learn how to help people get the benefits they are entitled to, how to avoid the pitfalls and how to get help to resolve more complex issues.

We are running a series of training courses until March 2019 on the following topics:

· Benefits overview

· Benefits for older people

· Introduction to universal credit

· Universal credit and housing costs

· Challenging benefit decisions

with further training being planned from April onwards.

The cost for a full day’s training is from only £50 per person plus a small booking fee. If a lot of people in your organisation need to be trained, it can be more cost-effective to arrange a bespoke course tailored to your specific needs at a venue of your choice. Our training is now delivered in partnership with Devon Communities Together through the Devon Community Learning Academy and may be booked via the Devon Communities Together website. You can also contact info@devoncommunities.org.uk to request notifications of new courses as they are added or to discuss your requirements if you would like bespoke training. If you are interested in volunteering and actively providing advice to local people please visit your local office: www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk/offices

For more information on Universal Credit see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit

Or for any issues, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, call Adviceline on 03444 111 444, or pop into your local office.