Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Simonse, O.; Vanderveen, G.; Dillen, L.F. van; Dijk, W.W. van; Dijk, E. van (2023)

Social security or insecurity? The experience of welfare participation by financially vulnerable households in the Netherlands

Abstract

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 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...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

All authors

Simonse, O.; Vanderveen, G.; Dillen, L.F. van; Dijk, W.W. van; Dijk, E. van

Date

2023-04-02

Title of host publication

Social Policy and Administration

Volume

57

Issue

3

Pages

255 - 271

DOI

doi:10.1111/spol.12849

Link

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/spol.12849