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.

- CPAG (revised annually) Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook. London: CPAG ISBN 1 901698 750

- Social Security Legislation, published by Sweet & Maxwell (revised annually)
Volume I : ISBN 0 421 88860 1
Volume II: ISBN 0 421 88880 6
Volume III: ISBN 0 421 88900 4
Volumn lV: ISBN 0 421 88920 9

1. Students are required to undertake an assessed seminar (30%) 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.

Students must pass both elements of assessment in order to pass this module.

- Access to a PC (with use of CD ROMS) is necessary

- Access to the Internet

- Access to hard-copy formats of texts, materials, and other guidance, such as government information, Explanatory Notes to legislation, etc

The focus of this award is on a mix of independent as well as directed study, but with opportunities to undertake a range of collaborative work with other participants on line - for example in preparing advice-related, and transactional tasks.

Contact Hours (40) 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 (110) 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 Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.