Case study assignment 2,000 words 100%

(learning outcomes 1-5).

You will need access to one of the following texts:

CPAG Handbooks (revised annually) Welfare Benefits Handbook, London, CPAG

- Computer with Lotus Learning Space capacity and the WWW
- Key texts
- Module handbook

Contact Hours on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with Lotus Learning Space activities for the main section of the module

Independent Study means on-line and off-line activity including work in the Media Centre, relevant background reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

On screen activity (24 hours)
This will involve you engaging with the materials provided in Lotus Learning Space; assessing electronically stored information where necessary e.g. Government web sites; completing on screen assessment tests and liaising with the module leader where necessary by email.
Independent Study (56 hours)
This will involve
a) Detailed study of the course material to ensure a good working knowledge and understanding of the basic principles (36 hours)
b) Completing benefit check examples and other calculations where required (10 hours), and
c) Preparing the assessed case study assignment (10 hours)

NB the amount of time suggested for these activities are approximate guidelines and will vary from student to student.

Development of Skills

Intellectual Skills will be developed by encouraging the student to engage with key themes of the module. They will be assessed in the assignment.
Team working skills will be developed by participating in the work of the agency
I.T Skills will be developed through the on-line activities in LLS
Communication Skills will be assessed through the case study assignment.
Problem Solving and Application of Number Skills will be developed through the course work and the self testing exercises. They will be assessed in the case study assignment.

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of the welfare benefits system, together with the necessary skills to give basic advice to people about their benefit entitlement.

Topics to be covered, in line with CLS Quality Mark Standard for Generalist Help include:-

- An introduction to the Social Security System
- Means Tested Benefits: e.g. Income Support; Income Based Jobseekers Allowance; Housing Benefits; Council Tax Benefits; Working Families Tax Credit; Social Fund
- Non-means tested benefits: Contributory e.g. Incapacity Benefit; Contributory Jobseekers Allowance - Non means tested Non contributory e.g. Disability Living Allowance; Attendance Allowance; Invalid Care Allowance: Severe Disablement Allowance; Child Benefit
- Other Benefits: Maternity Allowance: Statutory Maternity Pay; Statutory Sick Pay; Industrial Disablement Benefits; Widows Payments; State Retirement Pension
- Particular Client Group: e.g. 16/17 year olds Residential care; NHS patients
- Problem solving: e.g. income maximisation strategies; how to challenge decisions

You will have developed relevant intellectual skills to be able to

1. Distinguish between contributory; non contributory and means tested benefits;
2. Identify eligibility criteria for all major benefits;
3. Identify benefits relevant to particular groups of people;
4. Outline the processes for challenging decisions.

You will also have developed relevant problem-solving and application of number skills to enable you to

5. Calculate manually the entitlement to means-tested benefit and to complete a basic benefit check.
(CLSQM casework definitions 2,3,6,7,9,10 & 11)

A ASSIGNMENT length 2000 WORDS weighted at 100%.
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