Charity offers help to Universal Credit claimants

A VALLEYS housing charity is looking to raise thousands of pounds to help people tackle the Universal Credit (UC) “poverty trap” over the coming months.

Adref is looking to help those claiming benefits over winter, and hopes to help around 70 people with their Due Credit project.

Adref executive director David Jones said: “Even after the budget, people will find that all their benefits will cease for at least three weeks until the new benefits can be calculated or an interim payment is made.

“This can leave people in the classic ‘heat or eat situation’ while they wait for payment of any benefits.

“The Due Credit project aims for one part of the community to help another this winter. If people can donate what they can afford via Adref’s website, we can purchase gas and electric credit for those of our clients in most need.”

Mr Jones also said Due Credit will work with people moving on from Adref hostels, which are situated around Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, or the 107 people it works with in their homes to help them resettle or avoid them becoming homeless.

Mr Jones continued: “The moment their circumstances change they will have to apply for Universal Credit and the three-week wait starts before they can expect any payment.

“Very soon they start building up rent arrears and potentially will also be sat in a cold house with no lights and no power to cook that tin of beans they got from the food bank either.”

To find out more or to donate, contact 01685 878755.