A Workshop which covers the rules and the impact of the Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) on Housing and

Benefit  Council Tax Benefit administration.

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No Regional Workshop dates currently planned. 
 
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS - Do you have a lot of staff needing this training and would you like us to arrange this Workshop at your own training venue just for the staff from your own organisation? We would be pleased to arrange this - please contact us for further details and availabilty of dates.

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Employment & Support Allowance

From October 2008 the new ‘Employment and Support Allowance’ (ESA) replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. This Workshop will provide an overview of the new benefit, and will give full details of the effects it has had on the assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Covering both types of ESA (income related ESA and contribution based ESA), and the related changes to HB and CTB law, the Workshop will provide an essential introduction and training for assessors and front line staff. It will look at the practical impact the changes have had on day-to-day work, including:

•  How ESA replaces Incapacity Benefit (IB);
•  Who gets ESA and who gets IB?
•  How the two benefits differ;
•  The different types of ESA available at different stages in a claim;
•  The incentives to consider work within the capability of the claimant;
•  The new component for those who genuinely cannot work;
•  The effect of ESA on HB and CTB;
•  How HB and CTB claims are affected;
•  How HB and CTB premiums and other matters are affected;
•  How hardship is dealt with.

The Workshop will also focus on amendments to HB/CTB law that have been the subject of some criticism and debate:

•  The rules about applicable amounts;
•  The 'components’ in HB/CTB that can replace disability premium;
•  The ‘better off’ problems in HB/CTB which occur when the ‘wrong’ partner claims;
•  The rules about non-dependent deductions;
•  The recovery of arrears and overpayments;
•  Other changes to income, eligibility, exempt accommodation and students.

By means of presentations, discussions and exercises our presenter, John Zebedee, will provide a fact-filled day covering the most up-to-date information available. Comprehensive course notes and worked examples on key issues will be provided, with time given to ask questions and discuss problem areas.