Benefits for older people

The over-60s used to be able to regard retirement as a time to relax and unwind, but money problems mean that this is no longer the case for many pensioners.

The average cost of living has been steadily rising at the very time that retirement incomes are falling. This has meant that increasing numbers of retired people are struggling with money problems and personal debt. To make matters worse, many over-60s aren't claiming state benefits, such as Pension Credits, Housing Benefit and Carer’s Allowance because they don't realise that they are available.

This course will give you an overview of the benefits system in relation to people over the age of 60. It will enable you to advise clients on the basics of Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit, and how they fit together.

You will learn:

• To identify those likely to qualify for Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance and understand how to tackle claim forms and strategies for successful claiming
• How Pension Credit works and the effect of Pension Credit on other benefits
• Which older people are likely to be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
• Carer’s Allowance and claiming as an older carer
• The implications on benefits of going into hospital
• Who is entitled to winter fuel payments and when they may qualify for other help from the social fund
• Help if you are over 60 and widowed, look after children, or are working.

Who will benefit from attending?

Housing officers, support workers, Housing Benefit staff, homelessness staff, rent arrears staff, scheme managers, social workers, health workers and staff working with older people, needing to give confident advice and a helping hand through the claiming process.

Our trainer

Alison Markantonis has spent over 20 years in the field of benefits prior to becoming a consultant and trainer. Her approach is participative and interactive, using case studies and her own frontline experience to take the complex, and make it not only simple, but applicable.

HQN has a track record of helping organisations achieve real and lasting performance improvements. If you are interested in accessing this training package please contact us by emailing training@hqnetwork.co.uk