Critical Skills for Welfare Rights Professionals: Navigating DWP Disability and Sickness Processes

Tuesday, 6 - 8pm

Start Date

30 September, 2025

There will be 6 weekly meetings on Tuesday, 6 - 8pm, starting from 30 September. 

Overview

Help with the completion of disability and Capability for Work forms comprises a core part of the work of many Advice Agencies.  A competent and professional approach is therefore crucial to their work in the community and, of course, to the well being of their clients. If clients are helped to submit a form which outlines clearly the effect of their medical conditions, and to understand which evidence is useful, there is a much better chance of a correct decision at the initial stages of a claim, thus avoiding the long-drawn out process of appeals.

This course looks at the most common forms a Welfare Rights Advisor encounters. We related the questions on each form to the criteria for each benefit as set out in the legislation. We also discuss the challenges posed by various medical conditions.  At the end of the course students should feel they have a full understanding of the criteria used to assess claims,  should be able to use this to help with a competent claim, and to explain the whole process clearly to their clients.

The course would be  useful for welfare benefits volunteers and trainees as well as people working in other areas of advice who would like more information about the benefits which have a big impact on their clients’ financial and emotional security.

Syllabus

Week 1: Completing DWP forms:  Some general principles

Week 2: Personal Independence Payment claims

Week 3: Child Disability Living Allowance claims

Week 4: Attendance Allowance claims

Week 5: Limited Capability for Work Assessment (ESA50 and UC50 forms)

Week 6: What happens next:

  1. The medical assessment and the decision
  2. Proposed changes to the legislation and potential effects

Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm. 

Course Lecturer: Ruth Knox

Ruth Knox is an experienced welfare rights advisor, having worked with RAISE advice for over 10 years, and since retirement with Vauxhall Law Centre as a volunteer benefits adviser.  She has taught various Welfare Rights Courses with Liverpool John Moores and with the Continuing Education department of Liverpool University since 2014.. 

Courses fees: Full fee £95/Concession £50

Back to: Continuing Education