Successful completion of HEW73121-1, Benefits Advice I or equivalent.

1. Students are required to undertake an assessed seminar (30%) (500 words) which contributes to all learning outcomes
AND
2. A case study assignment 2000 words (70%) contributes to all LOs
OR
3. A portfolio of students own work 2000 words (70%) contributes to all LOs

Formative Assessment - Tutor feedback will be provided via the online seminar discussion forums and also during the module via email and telephone responses to tasks and exercises.

In order to pass this module students must achieve a minimum grade point 2 in each assessment component and an average grade point 4 overall.

The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means on-screen hours engaging with the on screen study materials in the course documents, course information sections of the module and undertake the assessed seminar.

Independent Study (120) means your on-line and off-line activity, including work in the course documents, course information, and discussion forums and assignments sections of the module. It also includes, further relevant background and developmental reading and research. Preparation and engagement with the discussion forums, self-assessment exercises and tasks, together with assessment preparation and completion.

The VLE will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.

PC with internet access

- Greaves, I. (2008) Disability Rights Handbook, London, Disability Alliance

- Osborne, S. (ed) (2008) Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook, London, Child Poverty Action Group

This module is for students who have a good understanding of the social security and tax credits system. It concentrates on the more difficult and controversial areas of tax credit and social security law. In particular where problems of interpreting the law and of bad practice frequently occur. It will focus on the administration of the tax and social security systems and will cover in detail the following areas:
1) How to make effective claims for tax credits and benefits - in particular when it is possible to claim backdated payments.
2) The Benefits I module provided an overview of the review and appeal process, this level two module will build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in level and will cover these procedures in more depth - in particularly focussing upon the use of case law to challenge decisions. In addition it will focus on how to take an appeal beyond an appeal tribunal to the social security commissioners
3) The overpayments and recovery of benefit - it will examine situations when overpayments may and may not be recovered and what procedures the Department of Work and Pensions and local authorities should follow to recover payment
4) Some of the issues for people in 'special circumstances'.
A basic knowledge of the tax credit and benefits system is assumed.