1. Identify and distinguish between contributory, non contributory and means tested benefits (sg1)
(Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Identify eligibility criteria for all major welfare benefits (sg1) (Application, Knowledge and Understanding)

3. Complete a basic benefit check using manual or electronic methods and calculate entitlement to means-tested benefits (sg1, sg9, sg10) (Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Problem Solving)

4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the stages of the debt advice process and the function of the financial statement (sg1) (Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application, Problem Solving)

5. Distinguish between different types of debt and apply appropriate strategies (sg1, sg2, sg9, sg10)
(Communication, Enquiry)

6. Demonstrate an understanding of current policy issues relevant to welfare benefits and debt advice (sg4)

Child Poverty Action Group (2015) Council Tax Handbook. 11th edition. London: CPAG
Child Poverty Action Group (2017) Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook (2017/18). Child Poverty Action Group, London
Disability Rights UK (2017) Disability Rights Handbook 2017/18 42nd Ed. Disability Rights UK: London
Wolfe (2017) Debt Advice Handbook 12th Edition. Child Poverty Action Group: London

This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of two key aspects of advice work provision: welfare benefits and money advice. The module conforms to National Occupational Standards SFJIB11 and SFJIB19, and includes the following topic areas:

an introduction to systematic debt advice, and consideration of attitudes to debt and causes of debt
- construction of a financial statement
- types of debt, sanctions, and appropriate strategies
- liability for and prioritisation of debts
- the process of enforcement through the Courts
- the scope and purpose of means-tested, contributory and non-contributory welfare benefits, how these may be claimed, and how benefits interact with each other
- how to undertake benefit checks and 'better off' calculations using paper-based and electronic information systems
- policy issues relating to welfare benefits and money advice

1. Online discussion 1000 words LO 6 (weighted 40%)
2. Case study 1500 words (including a benefit calculation and financial statement) LO's 1-5
(weighted 60%)

Additional Assessment Details / formative feedback:
Formative feedback will be provided within the online discussions and with the use of case study exercises

PC with access to the internet
Access to Blackboard

This is a distance learning award, and the Blackboard VLE will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (5 hours)
2 hours Telephone tutorials with the tutor
3 hours Scheduled discussion boards

Guided Independent Study Hours: (295 hours) This will be made up of:
Preparation for tasks and online discussions and seminars; Wider reading including exploring additional sources of information, (particularly web based), updating their knowledge in line with developments and changes
Reading study materials, asynchronous online seminars, interactive tasks
Preparation for and completing the assignment