Who Should Attend?
Caseworkers, office managers, and professionals involved in public service roles will benefit from this course. This course offers essential guidance for dealing with general financial casework inquiries, especially in the current economic climate where many face personal and financial hardships. Caseworkers will learn practical steps for handling complex cases, sudden financial losses, and long-term unemployment, with a focus on emergency financial relief through benefits.
Key Topics Covered
- Dealing with Debt: Understanding various types of debt (rent, mortgage, loans, credit cards) and over-payments (benefits, tax credits, child maintenance).
- Volume of Casework: Insight into the high volume of casework handled nationally, highlighting the prevalence of debt and benefit issues.
- Causes of Debt: Identifying root causes such as insufficient income, benefit cuts, and job losses.
- Priority vs. Non-Priority Debts: Distinguishing between debts that can lead to loss of home or legal action (e.g., mortgage arrears) and those that don’t (e.g., overdrafts).
- Debt Management: Exploring strategies like benefits appeals, voluntary payment agreements, insolvency options, and debt relief orders.
- Housing Issues: Addressing rent and mortgage arrears, threats of eviction, and homelessness prevention.
- Employment Support: Guidance on handling unemployment and redundancy, including benefits.
- Welfare Reforms: Understanding changes in benefits, the introduction of Universal Credit, and the impact on financial assistance.
Register now to equip yourself with the information needed to make a positive impact on constituents’ financial circumstance.