A 2,500 word case study assignment which will test the student?s ability to access, interpret and apply relevant information to a welfare benefits case scenario


Learning outcomes 1 ? 4

This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of a key aspect of advice work provision in a diverse society; to develop problem solving skills and use of number skills in the following areas of welfare benefits:

- Means-tested, contributory and non-contributory benefits, and tax credits; how these may be claimed; and how to challenge decisions;
- How to undertake benefit checks and `better off? calculations using paper-based information systems;
- Particular attention will be given to the law relating to the availability for, and actively seeking work; fitness and incapacity for work; claims for means tested benefits and tax credits; disability benefits; social fund: poverty traps in the benefits system; and habitual residence and living together as husband and wife.

Students will not be expected to commit large amounts of information to memory, but will be expected to be able to locate relevant sources of information and accurately apply them.

Whole group sessions (11x2hrs)
These will be inter-active teaching and learning sessions which will involve some formal teaching but will rely heavily on case study, worksheets, small group discussion and experiential learning strategies in which students are expected actively to participate.
Independent Study
Students are expected to prepare for the whole group session by reading preparatory materials and completing exercises when required (11x2hrs) Total 22 hours

Students are expected to spend time after each whole group session completing exercises, consolidating their learning and ensuring that they fully understand the material (11x4hrs) Total 44 hours

Students are expected to spend time exploring additional sources of information, (particularly web based), updating their knowledge in line with developments and changes (42 hours)

Preparation for and completing the assignment (20hrs)

Total independent study hrs 128
Total learning hrs 150

Skills Development
Communication skills written communication skills will be developed through the production of academic assignments and seminar presentations.
Intellectual skills will be developed through the dissemination of information during lectures, seminars and through the production of academic assignments.
Problem Solving skills will be developed through case study analysis in small and whole group sessions.

- The module handbook
- Computing facilities will be needed to access blackboard material and specialist on-line data bases
- Access to appropriate texts
- Relevant legislation and guidance

You will need access to one of the following texts:

Child Poverty Action Group: Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook (latest version), Child Poverty Action Group, London
Disability Rights Handbook (latest version), Disability Alliance, London
Welfare Benefits 2003 (or latest version), Keith Puttick, EMIS Professional Publishing Ltd