IMN Content - Lifestyle and Consumer Content

Stigma Deters Low Income Earners From Claiming Benefits

Revealed today: How a third of those entitled to benefits actually believe people should stop relying on the state and help themselves – an opinion most people thought was exclusive to high earners.
Lifestyle - 2 April 2012   Download IconContent available for download:  
Sorry, no content is available at this time, please check back later.
  News Hooks:

A new study out this morning exposes that the stigma surrounding those claiming benefits is not solely the opinion held by high income earners, but is a view held by people eligible for financial help themselves. Over a third of people on low incomes say that those claiming support need to help

themselves and stop relying on the state; with 13% adamant they would rather sacrifice food than receive help.

The research, which targeted people with annual incomes of less than £15,000, reveals that just one fifth think those claiming benefits actually have

the right to do so.

Shockingly, although over half (59%) believe that benefits exist to help the most vulnerable in society, almost a fifth admit they have never, and would never consider claiming benefits.

Leading charity, Turn2us has launched this study to coincide with its Benefits Awareness Month, so those genuinely in need can access vital additional support they are entitled to, without feeling ashamed.

. Introduction:

Today it’s been exposed that the stigma surrounding those claiming benefits is not solely the opinion held by high income earners. In fact, a study released this morning reveals that people on incomes of less than £15,000 a year are some of the most reluctant to claim benefits - with many

saying they would rather forgo food than rely on the state.

So how has this problem of social stigma become so bad that vulnerable people are being put off claiming vital funds they are actually entitled to?

Joining us to discuss this further is Rob Tolan, Head of Policy and Research at leading charitable service Turn2us.