Vulnerable Missing Out on Benefits Due to Online Tool
Vulnerable individuals are losing out on essential benefits because they are being directed to online calculators that are challenging to navigate, according to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Although many are entitled to financial support, they often lack access to face-to-face advisers who could assist them in claiming those benefits. This oversight results in an estimated £24 billion of support going unclaimed each year.
The Impact of Online Tools on Benefit Access
– A poignant account from a woman highlights how crucial personal support can be. After receiving help with her paperwork, her financial situation dramatically improved.
– Helen Fisher, who now runs advice services, expressed concern that many vulnerable individuals are being sent to online platforms that leave them feeling bewildered and neglected, especially when they are already struggling financially.
> It means they will get into further debt and more and more brown envelopes will come through the door, Fisher said.
A Personal Story of Overcoming Hardship
At 69, Helen Fisher had to leave her job to care for her husband, Ken, after he suffered a stroke. The family’s financial situation rapidly deteriorated, leading to threats of home repossession.
– I was at the end of the road as I could not afford to feed Ken and our daughter, Jemma, she recalled. We had bailiffs wanting council tax, the energy was about to be disconnected, and I couldn’t even afford petrol for medical appointments.
Overwhelmed, Helen contemplated suicide. However, a comprehensive benefits check conducted by an adviser at her home changed their lives.
The Gateway to Assistance
Thanks to this personalized guidance, the family accessed numerous benefits, grants, and charitable assistance, saving their home. An award of pension credit opened the door to further support, which continued even after Ken passed away in 2010 at the age of 62.
Today, Helen helps others in Liverpool who are too occupied with caregiving to navigate the complex benefits system. Yet, she has observed a glaring gap in personalized, face-to-face advice for individuals with mental health challenges who require hand-holding and guiding through the maze of forms and finances.
– I help put them on the right track. Their anxiety diminishes, and gradually they build the confidence needed to manage these matters independently, she explained.
The Alarming Statistics
In a recent report, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute highlighted several critical issues:
– An estimated £24 billion of financial support goes unclaimed each year.
– Many vulnerable individuals are unaware that support is available.
– Online benefits calculators often present difficulties for those with mental health conditions, affecting their ability to concentrate and process complex information.
– Limited funding results in debt advice services being overstretched and inconsistent across different regions.
A Call for Action
The charity advocates for a coordinated strategy to enhance personalized advice and encourages banks and essential service providers to more frequently refer customers in need of support.
Helen Undy, chief executive of the institute, stated:
> It is alarming that in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, so many people with serious financial and mental health problems are missing out on this vital support to boost their income. This crucial assistance has been lifesaving for many.
Additionally, the Money and Pensions Service, a government-supported organization, announced its commitment to improving debt advice services, with £84 million allocated for assistance in 2024-25.
Christy McAleese, head of debt policy at the service, emphasized:
> We are investing significantly into debt advice services in England, and we will continue to work with providers to ensure people in debt can achieve a better financial future.
Conclusion
The data reveals a stark reality: vulnerable individuals are missing out on crucial benefits due to ineffective online tools. As we strive for solutions to this pressing issue, it is paramount that we ensure accessible, personalized advice for those most in need. Addressing these systemic issues will not just alleviate financial hardships but could also save lives.