HBINFO in-house courses 2008 HBINFO can offer just about any Housing Benefit and Council Training course. Our training team is led by Peter Barker, ably assisted by Sarah March and Peter de la Mothe. Together our team has over 60 years of practical experience in the field. All HBINFO courses are updated with the latest information, legislation and case-law and each delegate will receive a comprehensive training pack of the highest quality. Practical exercises are built into the day. Each course is suitable for up to 20 delegates; smaller organisations may wish to share the cost. We will adapt the course for the level of delegates; from beginner level to senior staff as requested.  New Starters Training for new starters as a two-day, three day or four day course that will be tailored to your particular needs. A brief summary of the main points included in each course is included below. Please contact Ghita on ghita@octagonconsultancy.com or 07890 527178 for more detailed information about any of our courses or to discuss your requirements.   Our current program of the most popular courses includes:    Claimants from Overseas One day course available at advanced or standard level Advanced: For practitioners who already understand the HB and CTB rules on immigration status and habitual residence Identifying the claimant's immigration status - passport stamps, Home Office letters, the Immigration Rules In-depth study of European law governing rights of residence for nationals of member states and their families Standard: A comprehensive guide to the two sets of rules that restrict access to benefit for claimants from overseas: The Habitual Residence and Right to Reside test for nationals of European Economic Area states and their families The Immigration Status test for non-EEA nationals Both levels: Dealing with difficult cases: Partner from overseas National Insurance number problems Questions to ask at customer interviews   Revision, supersession and effective dates One-day course looking at all the available grounds for changing an HB/CTB decision, and the correct date from which to do so The difference between revision and supersession Grounds for revision and supersession Revising/superseding multiple decisions Effective dates and time limits: Any-time revision: when it does and does not apply Advantages changes of circumstance Awards of other state benefits Other cases with special rules Ensuring benefit claims are started from the correct date   Rent Liability Introduction to land and property: Legal ownership Estates in land Beneficial ownership Trusts and other equitable interests Main kinds of private tenancy The HB context: Is the claimant liable to make payments? s130 Is the claimant liable to make the right kind of payments? HB Reg 12 Should the claimant be treated as if s/he were not liable to make payments? HB Reg 9 The impact of liability on contrived tenancies and taking advantage of the scheme.   Occupation of the dwelling Meaning of "dwelling" The dwelling normally occupied as the home Special rules for special groups - students, property under repair Occupying two dwellings Treated as occupying a dwelling before moving in Treated as occupying a dwelling after moving out Trial periods in care Temporary absence Giving notice while absent   Overpayments - a guide to the legislation Valid decision-making Revision/supersession of the decisions awarding benefit Decision notices The different forms of regulation 101 Is the overpayment recoverable? Meaning of official error Delay by the Council DWP error Reasonably expected to know From whom is the overpayment recoverable? Changes in the law: retrospective? Landlords Partners Rights of appeal   Income and capital Different forms of earnings Dealing with the self-employed Student income Shares, bonds and other asset classes Disregards Impact of other benefits Complex areas of the legislation   The appeal system An introduction to the HB/CTB appeals system Which decisions can be appealed Time limits What is evidence Understanding the Tribunal process Tribunal hearings The Social Security Commissioners DHP and Rent Service appeals   HB for RSLs How it all works: The claim process Working out entitlement Changes in circumstances Overpayments Common issues including Backdating Two Homes Temporary Absence Appeals People that are excluded DHPs