World Mental Health Day: how benefits stigma is damaging people’s emotional wellbeing

To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, we’re exploring how stigma around claiming benefits can harm people’s emotional wellbeing, and how getting the right support can make a world of difference.

The stigma stopping people from seeking help

Stigma in the System, a report commissioned by Turn2us, found embarrassment and fear of judgement stop many from seeking help. Even when people do claim, it’s often a last resort after exhausting every other option.

According to the report:

• 33% of people wait between two months and a year before making a claim.
• 21% delay claiming for over a year.
• Of those who put off applying, nearly half (48%) cut back on essentials and almost a quarter (23%) borrowed money to get by.

The emotional cost of waiting

Putting off claiming benefits doesn’t just deepen financial hardship, it takes a toll on mental health. We regularly hear from customers who are reluctant to claim or don’t realise what support they’re entitled to.

When Diane, 58, lost her job suddenly, she began to struggle repaying her catalogue debt. Determined to manage alone, she kept trying, until the company threatened to send bailiffs.

“I was just worrying all the time. I wasn’t sleeping. I was scared every time the door went. I was getting messages every day saying, ‘You need to phone us to talk about your debt.’ I didn’t want to talk about it.”

Even then, Diane hesitated to seek help.

“I felt ashamed asking for help. I think there is a stigma attached to people on benefits.”

Tracy, 54, had a similar experience. After what she thought was a stroke - later diagnosed as multiple sclerosis - she found herself unable to work.

“I was worried no one would believe me, so I found that quite difficult.”

When support changes everything

For Des, 63, everything changed after a serious accident left him unable to work. The sudden loss of income meant his bills piled up fast.

“All the bills were mounting up. I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t opening letters.”

When he came to us, our benefits assessment found he was entitled to an extra £140 a month.

“That was like £1,000 to me at the time. You [Money Wellness] have been absolutely fantastic. You pinpointed the problem and then sorted it out. You’re doing a brilliant job. Saved my life.”

For Michael, 74, losing the winter fuel payment gnawed away at his self-confidence as he fell behind on credit card and loan repayments.

“I felt quite anxious about things. I felt I wasn’t in control of what I was doing.”

A benefits check revealed he was eligible for housing benefit.

“That was a game changer.”

And for Josh, 32, the stress of struggling alone pushed him to breaking point.

“It got to the point where I thought, ‘I might have to start robbing from shops just so I can feed myself.’ You feel like you’re in the dark. It really affected my mental health. I felt stressed and really down.”

With the right support, Josh was able to turn things around.

“They [Money Wellness] supported me every step of the way through the whole process, especially with advising me and letting me know and highlighting to me that you know there is extra support you can get.”

Our message this World Mental Health Day

Every year, around £24bn in benefits go unclaimed across the UK (Policy in Practice). That’s money that could make a real difference, not just to your finances, but to your peace of mind.

If you’re struggling, don’t let stigma or uncertainty stop you from getting the support you deserve.

Check what you’re entitled to today - your wellbeing is worth it.