Social welfare aims to support financially vulnerable households by protecting them from financial shocks and providing them with a basic standard of living. Many eligible households, however, do... Show moreSocial welfare aims to support financially vulnerable households by protecting them from financial shocks and providing them with a basic standard of living. Many eligible households, however, do not take up social welfare. We present the results of in-depth interviews with 31 members of financially vulnerable households in two large Dutch cities about their experiences with welfare. We examined the role of money in their lives, what inhibited them from taking up social welfare, and how they sought support. For many interviewed households, money was a source of stress. The fear of reclaims and mistrust of government institutions were the main inhibitors to participating in welfare programs. Whereas the experience of shame and stigma were substantial inhibitors for claiming local welfare benefits, they were not for participating in national welfare programs. Formal and informal help promoted welfare participation, but many participants lacked access to both. We discuss policies that could decrease the perceived uncertainty of benefits receipt and give directions for future research. Show less
Simonse, O.; Vanderveen, G.; Dillen, L.F. van; Dijk, W. van; Dijk, E. van 2022
Waarom maken veel financieel kwetsbare huishoudens geen gebruik van sociale voorzieningen, zoals toeslagen? Wij vroegen het aan degenen die dit het beste weten, namelijk mensen met een laag inkomen... Show moreWaarom maken veel financieel kwetsbare huishoudens geen gebruik van sociale voorzieningen, zoals toeslagen? Wij vroegen het aan degenen die dit het beste weten, namelijk mensen met een laag inkomen. In diepte-interviews gaven zij uitgebreid inzicht in de redenen. De overheid staat voor een grote opdracht om hun vertrouwen te herstellen. Maar het kán wel. Show less
