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A single mum is starving herself so her children don't go without food.

The threat of eviction is hanging over Danielle White following a mix-up between her housing association and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which administrates Universal Credit .

The 35-year-old claims she is asked to pay "double rent" every other month and has been threatened with a repossession order if she doesn't pay the sum upfront.

If the repossession order goes ahead she could be out of the house she's lived in for 11 years, Birmingham Mail reported.

Danielle's issues began when her daughter turned five, meaning the family was no longer eligible for income support.

The Birmingham mum moved over to Universal Credit, but the payments come after the due date for her rent, leaving her in arrears each month.

An alternative agreement was agreed to pay the benefit straight to Castle Vale Community Housing (CVC) as the cash came in, Danielle claims.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

As a result the family's cupboards are bare.

"I'm meant to have my fourth payment from Universal Credit next month, but my landlord say they've only received two, they're basically expecting me to pay double rent every month," the mum said.

"I've done nothing but chase it. I've lost my head with the landlord as they're just dismissing what I'm telling them.

"It's not helping me with my situation.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

"I can barely afford to feed myself. I'm going days and days and days without being fed. If you come into house my freezers empty, my cupboards are bare.

"I've never lived like that. I do it so I can feed my other two.

"My money will stop for the kids soon and I'll be left with barely anything. Universal Credit are on my side, they've been very helpful.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

"The housing association are not being compassionate at all. I'd understand if it was private housing, but it's not, it's social.

"The Government are meant to be helping with homelessness but they are making a mother of two homeless."

The housing association said it worked with the DWP to support Universal Credit recipients.

A spokesperson said: "While we cannot disclose individual details, CVCH are in regular contact with Ms White to provide her with the right support to resolve this matter.

"We work closely with Department for Work & Pensions and a wide range of other agencies to provide support for individuals in vulnerable situations.”

A spokesperson for DWP said: "We are unable to change the date of her payments, as that is the date she put in her claim.

"She did give us permission to speak to the landlord, but they refused to speak to us. We are trying our best to help her as much as we can."