LAWYERS’ COURSES

Welfare benefits update half-day course

LDWB0111      9.45am – 1.00pm       28 April 2011
LDWB0211      9.45am – 1.00pm       20 October 2011

Welfare benefits update can be booked as a one-day course with Separation, maintenance and settlement.

This course is for all practitioners who deal with publicly funded clients, and who are not welfare benefits specialists. An understanding of the benefits system is fundamental for all practitioners who deal with publicly funded clients as the ability to identify possible ways of increasing income may, in some cases, assist in resolving the overall matter with which the practitioner is dealing.

The course is designed for non-specialists who will not deal with welfare benefits issues on a regular basis, it combines revision and reminder with an emphasis on what has changed, or is about to change. It is suitable as a concentrated introduction to welfare benefits. The main emphasis of the course is on recognition of possible benefit claims and ways of maximising income for clients with limited income. Lack of money is often a factor for all clients who qualify for public funding, whether the presenting problem is a criminal, housing, family, employment or debt matter. It covers:

• categories of benefits and the overlapping benefit rules;
• signposting claims – the eligibility criteria;
• principles of calculating a means-tested benefit and/or tax credit;
• decision making, administration and appeals.

A basic understanding of the operation of the social security and tax credit systems and the benefits available would be useful but is not essential.

Level Standard
Tutor Jane Ballantyne
CPD hours 3
NOS LA49

CPAG Publication

Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook

Separation, maintenance and settlement half-day course

LDSM0111        1.45pm – 5.00pm     20 Octoberl 2011

Separation, maintenance and settlement can be booked as a one-day course with Welfare benefits update.

This half-day course is for family/matrimonial lawyers. It addresses welfare benefits issues that are especially relevant, including those dealt with in the Legal Services Commission’s family transaction criteria and covers:

• means-tested benefits that can be claimed;
• to work or not to work – better off issues;
• maintenance and benefits;
• effects of lump sum payments on means-tested benefits; and
• shared care and benefits.

This is a practical course set in a framework of scenarios covering the circumstances immediately following separation through to the final settlement.

A basic understanding of the operation of the social security and tax credit systems and the benefits available is expected but this can be gained by attendance on the morning course on the same day – Welfare benefits update.

Level Standard
Tutor Jane Ballantyne
CPD hours 3
NOS LA49

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