Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
England

Introduction to housing costs in universal credit

Learn how the housing costs element of universal credit is assessed, calculated and awarded.

Course summary

This course covers primary qualifying criteria, liability conditions, private sector rules, Local Housing Allowances (LHA), occupancy rules and more.

You’ll learn when housing costs are payable, when housing benefit is retained, and which charges satisfy the definition of rent.

Course information

Level: Introductory (Level 3)

Live webinar

  • Available for: Individuals, groups
  • Duration: Two and a half hours
  • CPD points: 2.5

Face to face training

  • Available for: Groups
  • Duration: One day
  • CPD points: 6

Individual bookings

DateDuration and timeDelivery and locationCost
Eligibility and discounts
Book
Booking guidance
Wednesday 04 December 2024Two and a half hours 2pm – 4:30pmWebinar£100+VAT | £85+VATBook
Thursday 27 February 2025Two and a half hours 2pm – 4:30pmWebinar£100+VAT | £85+VATBook
Thursday 08 May 2025Two and a half hours 9:30am – 12pmWebinar£100+VAT | £85+VATBook

Group bookings

You can book this course for groups.

Contact us about group bookings

What this course covers

Face to face and webinar training includes:

  • who qualifies for universal credit housing costs and which costs are covered

  • costs for two homes and occupancy conditions

  • under-occupancy deductions

  • non-dependents and housing cost contributions

  • local housing allowance for private rentals, housing costs for people under 35 and the shared accommodation rate

  • alternative payment arrangements, direct payments, and overpayments

Who this training is for

You'll find it helpful if you have some prior knowledge of universal credit for this course.

You might work for a local authority or social landlord, or give advice on housing or benefit problems.

Continuing Professional Development

Gain points towards your professional development from the CPD Certification Service with Shelter training and events.

CPD Certification logo