Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit

Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit

Specialists in Welfare Benefits, Debt, & Housing

Independent - Confidential - Impartial - Free Advice

101 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 7UD

Telephone Helpline & Appointments

Direct Line 0118 9551071

Advice Line 0118 9551070

Fax 0118 9551095

Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm

Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Drop-in (no appointment needed)

Tuesday 9:30am – 12:00pm (new clients only)

Click here for map

ABOUT THE UNIT

Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit is committed to providing a specialist service to all sectors of the local community in the area of Welfare Benefits, Money, and Housing Advice. The Unit receives funding from sources including Reading Borough Council, the Legal Services Commission and the Earley Charity. Our service is free, confidential, independent and impartial. We believe in equality for all.

THE LEGAL HELP SCHEME

The Unit has contracts from the Legal Services Commission in Welfare Benefits, Money, and Housing Advice. We provide a free service to everyone, but the Legal Help Scheme allows us to reclaim some of our costs. If you are eligible under the scheme, we will ask you to sign a Legal Help form. You do not have to do so if you would prefer not to. The scheme will not cost you anything and will not affect the way we deal with your case. The Legal Services Commission will not contact you, but your file may be included in any future audit. This would be carried out in the strictest confidence.

CAN I STILL SEE A SOLICITOR?

If you see a solicitor or another organisation with a Legal Help contract for advice with Welfare Benefits, Money, or Housing Advice, you will have to tell them that you have signed a Legal Help form. This does not mean they will not help you. If you see a solicitor about another matter you may be asked to sign another Legal Help form.

HOW WILL MY CASE BE DEALT WITH?

Whether you have signed a Legal Help form or not, we will keep you informed of how your case develops. If you have signed a Legal Help form, we will write to you to let you know when we propose to close your case. This does not mean that you cannot return to the Unit in the future.

SOME OF THE ISSUES WE DEAL WITH

Advice on whether you are receiving the correct benefits

Advice if you have a problem with a creditor or debt collector

Advice on your right to challenge decisions

Advice if you are facing eviction or bailiff action

Advice on what the law says and if it has been applied correctly

Advice and representation with Benefit Appeals or Court Hearings

Useful Links

Reading Borough Council

Citizens Advice Bureau

Legal Services Commission

Further information about: