One in four people are too ashamed to admit that they are in receipt of benefits, worried that people will think they are scroungers, according to a new survey.
More than a quarter (27 percent) of those on benefits said they had hidden it because of what people would think. This rose to half (47 percent) among 16-24 year olds. More than half (51 percent) of all those who had never been supported by benefits said they would feel embarrassed to make a claim.
Overall, however, people had a positive view of the benefits system, with 81 per cent saying it was an important safety net to support people when they need help. Two-thirds (64 per cent) agreed that benefits paid to those in need were good for wider society.
The online research, which questioned 1,955 adults, was conducted in September and was released to coincide a campaign by charities aimed at countering negative views of people who claim benefits.
Chief executive of The Children’s Society Matthew Reed said it was “reassuring to see that the public support this view”.
“At a time when families up and down the country are feeling the squeeze, it is important – now more than ever – that society supports those in need. The overwhelming majority of people who get benefits really need them; whether they are working, looking for work or unable to work.”
But chief executive of Mind Paul Farmer said lots of individuals with mental health problems faced “stigma and discrimination”.
“These new statistics suggest those who claim benefits experience double the stigma,” he added.
Source
