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Mind vs matter: economic and psychologic determinants of take-up rates of social benefits in the UK

Author

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  • Richiardi, Matteo
  • van de Ven, Justin
  • Vella, Melchior

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamics of take-up of social benefits in the UK, finding significant state dependence even after accounting for initial conditions and unobserved heterogeneity. Personality traits and cognitive skills do not exhibit a strong and direct effect. The paper also offers a quantification of the cost of claiming, providing new evidence that these have significantly increased in the 2010s, possibly in association with the introduction of Universal Credit – an overarching benefit with strong conditionality requirements. The findings offer important policy insights into the onset and persistence of benefit claims and potential avenues for intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Richiardi, Matteo & van de Ven, Justin & Vella, Melchior, 2024. "Mind vs matter: economic and psychologic determinants of take-up rates of social benefits in the UK," Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis Working Paper Series CEMPA6/24, Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis at the Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:ese:cempwp:cempa6-24
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Richiardi, Matteo & Popova, Daria & Mitton, Lavinia & Vella, Melchior, 2026. "Unclaimed support: changes in the take-up of means-tested benefits in the UK since 2008," Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis Working Paper Series CeMPA6/26, Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis at the Institute for Social and Economic Research.

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