CHNI
Council for the Homeless Northern Ireland
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WELFARE REFORM HEALTH CHECK FOR
HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
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CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS CHECKLIST
CLICK HERE
GENERAL ISSUES
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA) & PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE
PAYMENT (PIP)
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHARED ACCOMMODATION RATE
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
SOCIAL FUND
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
RATES
CLICK HERE
BENEFIT CAP
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
CLICK HERE
EXEMPT ACCOMMODATION MODELS
CLICK HERE
MODEL 1
CLICK HERE
MODEL 2
CLICK HERE
MODEL 3
CLICK HERE
MODEL 4
CLICK HERE
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ABOUT THIS CHECKLIST
At present, the Welfare Reform Bill has not been enacted in Northern Ireland. The introduction of welfare
reforms to Northern Ireland are an inevitability, and apart from some concessions, the vast majority of
reforms already extant in other parts of the UK, will be reflected in Northern Ireland’s Social Security
legislation.
There are practical steps you should take to ensure that your service and the people you support are ready
for change. This guide is intended as a ‘health check’ tool to assist homelessness services prepare their
organisations, staff, and service users for these changes.
We
would
like
to
thank
Homeless
Link
for
the
use
of
a
‘Welfare
Aware’
resource
(http://homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/site-downloads/WelfareHealthCheck_Accom_Dec12.pdf) as the
basis of this document.
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GENERAL ISSUES
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
ACTIONS
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
Individualised records of client benefit reciept are kept, reviewed and regularly updated.
Clients have access to personalised financial inclusion support (including signposting where relevant).
Clients are regularly kept abreast of ongoing welfare changes through a variety of information sources, including
verbally in key work, through leaflets and posters, in translation etc.
At least one service user trained in welfare issuess and encouraged to use skills to support other service users.
There is access to support (in-house or otherwise) with functional skills including relevant IT
GENERAL ISSUES
CLIENTS….
are supported to open a fully functional bank account.
understand the need for particular financial products.
are sufficiently prepared to manage changes to welfare benefits when living independently.
have access to, and are supported in accessing IT (including training & support) as appropriate.
are fully aware of and have access to information regarding available / accessible housing options in the immediate
and contiguous areas.
are aware of the possible need to widen the area of choice / preference when looking for housing.
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
FRONTLINE STAFF…..
have skills, information and resources to support service users across welfare benefit changes.
have skills, information and resources to support service users across financial inclusion.
are aware of how welfare changes will impact on move-on options for individual clients, including housing benefit,
local housing allowance, rates, and the social fund.
know when a discretionary housing payment is indicated and how to support the client to apply.
staff are suitably skilled, with access to training as appropriate, to assist clients in using IT (e.g. to make online
benefits applications)
are able to support clients in financial planning and decisions (e.g. understanding and choosing rent payment
methods, organising documentation, assistance in opening bank accounts, etc. )
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STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
THE ORGANISATION HAS ASSESSED….
risk of each change and the cumulative impacts on service users.
risk of each change and the cumulative impacts on the organisation.
skills / capacity to deliver support to service users around welfare changes, identified deficits in delivery and
explored opportunities for joint working and pooled resources, e.g. shared training, partnerships, etc.
staff skills and knowledge regarding the welfare system and reform, and have allocated resources accordingly.
GENERAL ISSUES
required data collection for each service user includes information on clients' support needs across budgeting, debt,
rent arrears, literacy, numeracy.
THE ORGANISATION HAS REVIEWED….
resettlement policies and procedures, including information for clients in light of welfare changes.
support planning framework, and needs relevant to benefits changes and financial inclusion have been prioritised.
policies and procedures on staff supervision and case management so that financial inclusion and benefits support
is included.
housing management planning and resource allocation for changes to revenue collection with regard to personal
service charges and rents
THE ORGANISATION HAS….
welfare reform lead or working group including all grades, management to frontline, to coordinate the organisation's
response and ensure it is maintained across all the changes over the next 2+ years.
a relationship with a named Social Security Agency contact involved in the local implementation of welfare changes
a named contact at Jobs & Benefits offices in every area they operate.
undertaken contingency planning for debt management has been undertaken.
a plan (covering short, medium & long term) to keep clients and staff informed about welfare changes.
methods of data collection to evidence the effect of change on clients and organisational ability.
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yes
partly
no
not applicable
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA) &
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP)
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DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA) &
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP)
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLIENTS….
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
are aware of the end of DLA and the implementation of PIP.
(current DLA recipients) are aware that they will have to make a new application for PIP.
understand the PIP application and assessment process.
are aware of the availablilty and how to access relevant support and information.
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
FRONTLINE STAFF…..
understand the change to DLA and the implementation of PIP.
are confident in supporting clients through process of change / change over
are confident in supporting clients, through signposting and supporting outcomes of applications (including appeals),
through the PIP application and assessment processes.
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LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHARED
ACCOMMODATION RATE
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLIENTS….
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHARED
ACCOMMODATION RATE (SAR)
understand the SAR and if it applies to them.
know about the exemptions to SAR for those aged 25-34 years, whether they are eligible for an exemption and how
to apply if they are.
(those eligible for the hostels exemption) can prove that they have been living in homelessness hostels for 3+
months, or know how to obtain proof.
those eligible for the PPANI exemption know to work with their lead professional to access an exemption.
are aware of the availablilty and how to access relevant support and information supplied by service.
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
STAFF ARE AWARE OF& UNDERSTAND….
the age extension to SAR and exemptions for 25-34 year olds
processes for providing proof of hostel exemption.
local process for applying for an exemption from the age extension of the shared accommodation rate.
are confident in supporting clients re. SAR application and assessment processes.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
THE ORGANISATION….
has a system in place for clients to access older records in order to provide previous service users with proof to
support an application for a SAR exemption based on hostel stay.
has set up a system for providing proof hostel residency to clients going forward.
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SOCIAL FUND
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLIENTS ARE AWARE OF…
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
the changes to the social fund, how to access local welfare assistance and what is available in their area.
other options to help with crisis and move on needs.
SOCIAL FUND
are aware of the availability and how to access relevant support and information supplied by service.
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
STAFF ARE….
aware of local welfare assistance, eligibility criteria and what support will be provided in their area.
aware of other funding options that could be used for move-on costs.
are confident in supporting clients re. Social Fund application and assessment processes.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
THE ORGANISATION….
is aware how Social Fund has been used and can identify areas (e.g. resettlement) that will be affected by move to
local scheme.
contacted the relevant authority to ensure the planning for local crisis assistance has taken account their client
group, including access issues.
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RATES AND
SUPPORTED EXEMPT ACCOMMODATION
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RATES
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INFORMATION NOT YET AVAILABLE
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BENEFITS CAP
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLIENTS ARE AWARE OF…
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
are aware of the maximum amount of combined benefits they can receive and how the reduction will be applied if
they exceed the cap.
(those who may be affected by the cap) are aware of the implementation date.
BENEFITS CAP
are planning how to manage any rent shortfalls and are aware of support options such as DHPs.
FRONTLINE STAFF PERSPECTIVE
STAFF ARE….
understand the benefit cap, how it is applied under the current system and Universal Credit, and which types of
benefits mean a claimant is not subject to the cap.
can identify which clients will be affected by the benefit cap.
support clients affected by the cap to apply for discretionary housing payments to mitigate rent shortfalls or
negotiate with landlords.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
THE ORGANISATION….
has assessed the impact of the benefit cap on its rent revenue and has a plan to manage any rent shortfalls.
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UNIVERSAL CREDIT
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SERVICE USER PERSPECTIVE
CLIENTS ARE AWARE OF…
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
yes
partly
no
not applicable
know how to set up standing orders for rent, personal service charges.
are aware of the information to be provided when applying for UC to be considered for a payment exception.
understand conditionality, the Claimant Commitment and sanctions processes.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT (UC)
(those on full work-related requirements) understand the Work Programme and related requirements.
are equipped with the skills to budget and manage a single monthly payment of benefits if implemented in NI.
are aware of the availablilty and how to access relevant support and information supplied by service.
have access to the internet and a computer.
are supported around IT/digital literacy.
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
STAFF ARE….
can access computers and the internet with clients
are computer literate and have the skills necessary to support clients with computer and internet use.
understand support and exceptions process in UC can support clients with regard to the information they will need
to provide when applying for Universal Credit in order to be considered for a payment exception.
know what financial services (banks, credit unions etc) are available in their area and have developed a relationship
with their managers to improve access to banking facilities for service users.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
THE ORGANISATION HAS ASSESSED….
risk with regard to Universal Credit, particularly with regard to rent revenue.
what support and resources will be required to manage transition of revenue processes to UC model (e.g. potential
move to monthly service charges).
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EXEMPT ACCOMMODATION MODELS
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EXEMPT ACCOMMODATION MODELS
1. Housing Benefit Regulations currently define "supported accommodation" as accommodation provided
by the NIHE, housing association, registered charity or voluntary organisation which also provides
support or commissions somebody else to provide support on its behalf. This definition dates back to
1997 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1997/376/made, see 2b).
2. In such cases rules around housing benefit and the way rent levels are determined are different to
non-exempt accommodation.
3. Exempt accommodation status is significant because it has different rules around:
● levels of rent which can be paid for by benefits;
● how housing costs under Universal Credit will be met; and
● recent benefit reforms such as the Benefit Cap and Under- Occupation regulations
CAUTION
Although this model has been checked with several sources1, as with all legal definitions, there will be a
variety of interpretations. We suggest each service gets its own advice and/or talks to the NIHE if it is unsure
whether it is exempt or not.
WHAT CHNI ARE DOING:
Along with other agencies, we are working extensively with DWP, DSD, NIHE and other key stakeholders to
attempt to find a solution to this issue which we are aware is causing a lot of apprehension in the
homelessness sector. Legal opinion is being sought, and decisions made in Great Britain are being closely
monitored.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
To get an idea of the full extent of the issue, we would like to hear from agencies as to the percentage of
projects they have which fit into Model 4 (overleaf). We are also aware that some services may not fit into
any of these models and would be very interested to hear from any services that have a different structure.
Contact us by email: [email protected], or telephone 90246440
WHAT?
The Westminster Government is currently reviewing how to ensure that the definition of exempt accommodation
reflects the changes in the way supported housing and hostels are commissioned
WHEN?
The definition of exempt accommodation is in the current Universal credit Regulations due to come into force in Great
Britain in October 2012. It is, at present, unsure when the reforms will be passed in Northern Ireland, and when
subsequent regulations will be implemented.
1: Original checks performed by Homeless Link in creating their document, 'Welfare Aware, Exempt Accommodation Models', from which this information is derived.
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MODEL 1
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MODEL 1: OWNER OF BUILDING IS ALSO SUPPORT PROVIDER
SUPPORTING PEOPLE
SP COMMISSION SUPPORT
*Provided the owner of the
building is one of the
following:
OWNER OF BUILDING:
● COMMISSIONED BY SP TO PROVIDE
SUPPORT*
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
NIHE
a Housing Association
a registered charity; or
a voluntary organisation
CLIENT
● RECEIVES HER SUPPORT FROM
OWNER OF BUILDING
● HAS TENANCY AGREEMENT WITH
OWNER OF BUILDING
PROPERTY WILL BE EXEMPT
WHAT?
The Westminster Government is currently reviewing how to ensure that the definition of exempt accommodation
reflects the changes in the way supported housing and hostels are commissioned
WHEN?
The definition of exempt accommodation is in the current Universal credit Regulations due to come into force in Great
Britain in October 2012. It is, at present, unsure when the reforms will be passed in Northern Ireland, and when
subsequent regulations will be implemented.
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MODEL 2
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MODEL 2: OWNER OF BUILDING SUB-CONTRACTS SUPPORT
FROM SUPPORT PROVIDER
SP COMMISSION SUPPORT
OWNER OF BUILDING
FROM
*Provided the owner of the
building is one of the
following:
OWNER OF BUILDING:
● COMMISSIONS A SECOND AGENCY
TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORT ON
THEIR BEHALF*
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
NIHE
a Housing Association
a registered charity; or
a voluntary organisation
SECOND AGENCY:
● COMMISSIONED BY THE OWNER OF
THE BUILDING
● PROVIDES SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF
THE OWNER TO THE CLIENT
CLIENT:
● RECEIVES HER SUPPORT FROM
SECOND AGENCY
**although it may
administered
by
second agency
be
the
● HAS TENANCY AGREEMENT WITH
OWNER OF BUILDING**
PROPERTY WILL BE EXEMPT
Note: CHNI are unsure whether this model is currently delivered in Northern Ireland.
WHAT?
The Westminster Government is currently reviewing how to ensure that the definition of exempt accommodation
reflects the changes in the way supported housing and hostels are commissioned
WHEN?
The definition of exempt accommodation is in the current Universal credit Regulations due to come into force in Great
Britain in October 2012. It is, at present, unsure when the reforms will be passed in Northern Ireland, and when
subsequent regulations will be implemented.
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MODEL 3
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MODEL 3: OWNER OF BUILDING LEASES BUILDING TO SUPPORT
PROVIDER
SP COMMISSION SUPPORT FROM AN
AGENCY OTHER THAN THE OWNER OF
THE BUILDING
COMMISSIONED AGENCY:
*Provided the owner of the
building is one of the
following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
NIHE
a Housing Association
a registered charity; or
a voluntary organisation
● PROVIDES SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF
LOCAL AUTHORITY TO THE CLIENT
● HAS LEASEHOLD AGREEMENT WITH
OWNER OF BUILDING*
CLIENT:
OWNER OF BUILDING:
● RECEIVES HER SUPPORT FROM COMMISSIONED
AGENCY.
● HAS LEASEHOLD AGREEMENT WITH
AGENCY COMMISSIONED BY THE
● HAS TENANCY AGREEMENT WITH SUPPORT
PROVIDER**
NIHE (SP)
**Client has no significant
relationship with the owner
of the building
PROPERTY WILL BE EXEMPT
Note: CHNI are unsure whether this model is currently delivered in Northern Ireland.
WHAT?
The Westminster Government is currently reviewing how to ensure that the definition of exempt accommodation
reflects the changes in the way supported housing and hostels are commissioned
WHEN?
The definition of exempt accommodation is in the current Universal credit Regulations due to come into force in Great
Britain in October 2012. It is, at present, unsure when the reforms will be passed in Northern Ireland, and when
subsequent regulations will be implemented.
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MODEL 4
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MODEL 4: OWNER OF BUILDING HAS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
(OR SIMILAR) WITH SUPPORT PROVIDER
SP COMMISSION SUPPORT FROM
AGENCY OTHER THAN OWNER OF
BUILDING.
COMMISSIONED AGENCY:
PROVIDES SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF SP
TO CLIENT.
COMMISSIONED AGENCY HAS NO
LEASEHOLD AGREEMENT WITH OWNER
OF THE BUILDING.
CLIENT RECEIVES HER SUPPORT
OWNER OF BUILDING:
FROM
HAS
A
MANAGING
AGREEMENT (OR SOME
OTHER CONTRACT) WITH
AGENCY COMMISSIONED
BY SP. THERE IS NO
LEASEHOLD AGREEMENT
SP
COMMISSIONED
AGENCY.
CLIENT
HAS
TENANCY
AGREEMENT WITH OWNER OF
?
BUILDING (ALTHOUGH IT MAY
BE ADMINISTERED BY THE
COMMISSIONED AGENCY)
IS THE OWNER OF BUILDING
A REGISTERED HOUSING
ASSOCIATION?
they will probably be
eligible for full rent.
they may be subject
to LHA
PROPERTY MAY NOT BE EXEMPT
CARE, SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION ARE NOT BEING
PROVIDED BY OR ON BEHALF OF* THE ORGANISATION
PROVIDING THE ACCOMMODATION OR SERVICE LEVEL
AGREEMENT.
*Legal opinion is being sought on the definition of ‘on behalf of’
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CHNI
Council for the Homeless Northern Ireland
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