Training
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Susy is a great teacher who really knows the benefits system. The handouts and slides on the projector are amazing.
Clear, concise information. Useful written booklet alongside the verbal information. Very helpful morning of information.
All was excellent and delivered very well. Handouts are great, as a back up after training
Really informative and very clearly explained. Very good to have the opportunity to debate and ask questions.
Torbay Advice Network offer a range of training courses to develop knowledge on a range of topics for benefits advice.
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How to Book
Please email info-torbayadvicenetwork@mail.com to express your interest in attending. Where possible we will try and accommodate all expressions of interest but as there are limited places available there is a restriction of 1 attendee per VCSO. Training is aimed at Practitioners and Volunteers who support Torbay Residents to aid with the current Cost of Living Crisis.
Pension Credit
The workshop will cover, eligibility - who can claim; minimum income guarantee; additional elements; savings credit; capital limits; effect of occupational pensions and other income; what happens with mixed age couples; effect of an award on other benefits.
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Making a claim - online, phone or by post; evidence required; payment and backdating; next steps if claim is unsuccessful.
Dates & Times
June 23rd 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
Attendance Allowance
The workshop will cover an overview of benefit and entitlement rules moving on to the application process; How to claim; completing the form; supporting evidence; statement from someone who knows you; lower or higher rate; meaning of specific terms - 'frequent attention', 'bodily functions', etc. claiming for someone who lacks capacity; effect of an award on other benefits. Next steps if claim is unsuccessful.
Dates & Times
July 14th 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
Benefits For Carer's
The workshop will cover an overview of eligibility and how to claim Carer's Allowance. Looking at how this applies to certain groups, including working people and pensioners.
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Also looking at the Carer Element of UC, Additional Carer Amount in Pension Credit and the various ways carers can get discounts on their Council Tax.
Dates & Times
July 29th 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
First Tier Tribunals
The workshop will provide an overview of the appeals procedure, from registering the appeal to the hearing itself, moving on to preparing a case: Accessing the case; time limits and late appeals; gathering evidence; effect of case law; writing a submission; preparing the client; role of the representative; options after the hearing.
Dates & Times
September 22nd 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
Introduction to Benefits Level 1
The workshop will cover a basic overview of the benefits system, including the difference between means tested and non-means tested benefits; overlapping benefits; online benefit calculators; identifying qualifying conditions with particular reference to Universal Credit.
Dates & Times
October 20th 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
Introduction to Benefits Level 2
The workshop will build on Introduction to Benefits 1, or the trainees' existing knowledge, a more detailed overview of the principal benefits: Universal Credit; PIP; Attendance Allowance; Pension Credit; Carer's Allowance; Housing and Council Tax Benefit; New Style ESA.
Dates & Times
October 27th 2026
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10:00am - 1:00pm