Critical Skills for Welfare Rights Professionals: Navigating DWP Disability and Sickness Processes

Tuesday, 6 - 8pm

Start Date

4 February, 2025

There will be 6 weekly meetings on Tuesday, 6 - 8pm, starting from 4 February. 

Overview

Completion of these forms is arguably the most important task a welfare rights advisor does, but there is very little advice available on how to do this. A comprehensive and well-completed form means there is more chance of a correct decision at the initial stages, and avoids the long-drawn out process of appeals. This course looks at the most common Disability and Sickness forms a Welfare Rights worker encounters. We relate the questions on the forms to the criteria for each benefit, and discuss the challenges posed by different medical conditions. At the end of the course the students should feel they have a full understanding of the criteria used to assess claims, can competently complete these forms, and can explain the whole process clearly to their clients.

Syllabus

Session 1:  Completing forms: Some general principles

Session 2: Personal Independence Payment

Session 3: Child Disability Living Allowance

Session 4: Attendance Allowance

Session 5: Limited Capability for Work assessment (ESA50 and UC50 forms)

Session 6:  What happens next: the medical assessment and the decision.

Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm. 

Course Lecturer: Ruth Knox

I am an experienced Welfare Rights Advisor, having worked in the sector for over 18 years.  I am currently working as a volunteer with Vauxhall Law Centre in Liverpool. I have taught various courses on welfare rights with John Moores, Edgehill and Liverpool University since 2012.  Since 2018 I have taught the "Introduction to Welfare Rights course" which has been a very long-standing course in the Continuing Education department  Initially I taught this jointly with Helen Green and since 2020 have done so singly.

Courses fees: Full fee £95/Concession £50.

Back to: Continuing Education