There are many myths about claiming benefits. They are damaging for people who may be eligible for benefits and could use the money support. Let’s look at some of the most common myths.
1. You can’t claim benefits when you’re working.
When you mention benefits, many people automatically think about the unemployed.
A report by Turn2Us (a charity) found that unemployment benefits account for less that 1 quarter of the total benefits spending.
The other ¾’s of people claiming benefits are from all walks of life, including pensioners, children and working families on lower incomes.
If you are a working person and struggling with money, its well worth checking what benefits you could be eligible for
2. Being on benefits is something to be ashamed of
There is no denying there is stigma around claiming benefits. People aren’t comfortable talking about money – even less so when talking about a lack of money.
Just because stigma exists, doesn’t mean it should. And attitudes are changing.
During the pandemic, millions of people were on furlough and didn’t feel embarrassed. The circumstances were out of their control and meant they couldn’t work.
So, there is no reason to feel ashamed about claiming benefits you’re entitled to when you need a helping hand.
3. Benefits are too generous.
For most families, taking a paid job would make them significantly better off than receiving benefits.
For example, a single parent working 30 hours a week would be £4,605 better off every year than on unemployment benefits.
However, their circumstances mean they need that bit of extra support, or aren’t able to work that many hours.
4. People are sitting at home and living on benefits.
This myth adds a lot to the stigma of claiming benefits. However, it is just that… a myth
Less than half of jobseeker’s allowance claimants claim for more than 13 weeks. Only 10% claim for more than a year.
18 % of the total benefits is going to people not earning enough in their jobs. Only 2% is spent on unemployment.
5. Benefit cheats take up a lot of the welfare budget.
The truth is that only 0.7% of benefits spending is fraudulent, so most claims are genuine.
There is £19 billion of unclaimed benefits every year
These myths play a part in preventing people from claiming.
No matter your circumstance see how you can maximise your income. Do an easily calculation to check what benefits you could claim.