Event details
Date
-
Location
Online
Pricing
Voluntary and Community Free
Public and Statutory Free
Five new “Earned Income Disregards” are to be introduced in upcoming changes for working-age Housing Benefit claimants, due to take effect in October 2026.
Under the current system, claimants face a cliff-edge problem, whereby earning anything other than a small amount of income may leave them cut off from eligibility for rent payment through Housing Benefit whereas they are entitled to a 55% taper, and potentially a work allowance on Universal Credit by comparison.
This course will examine the new regulations, the amount of the disregard and give those advising people who receive Housing Costs outside of Universal Credit because they live in a hostel or temporary accommodation, clarity on how earned income will impact on future awards.
This course has been quality assured by https://www.housingrights.org.uk/The course will be delivered by Ryan Fitzsimmons (Advice NI) and Gail Barnes (Housing Rights).
These sessions will take place on:
Monday 28 September 2026 - 9:30 am to 10 am
Tuesday 29 September 2026 - 3.30 pm to 4 pm
Visit the Advice NI website to book a session
System Requirements:
This course is delivered via Zoom. For the best learning experience, please ensure you have:
- Stable internet connection (minimum 1.5 Mbps recommended)
- A laptop or desktop with a working microphone and webcam Zoom installed (or access via browser)
If you require assistance contact [email protected] before the course start date.
What we will cover
- The five new Earned Income Disregards being introduced for working-age Housing Benefit claimants from October 2026
- The new disregard amounts and how the regulations will work in practice
- How earned income will affect Housing Benefit entitlement under the new rules
- The difference between the current cliff-edge system and the new approach
- How the changes compare with the treatment of earnings under Universal Credit, including the 55% taper and work allowance
- What the changes mean specifically for people receiving Housing Benefit outside Universal Credit, particularly those living in hostels or temporary accommodation
- Practical guidance for advisers supporting affected claimants, including how to understand and explain the impact of earnings on future Housing Benefit awards
Who should attend?
- Anyone advising on Universal Credit
- Housing Advisers
- Hostel /Support Workers
