As the media focuses its attention again on benefits fraud cases, it’s important to remember that such stories make up less than 3.4 per cent of benefit claims. Meanwhile, far larger numbers of people experiencing financial hardship for many different reasons are unaware of the support they can claim, or may be deterred by perceived stigma.

Over three quarters (78 per cent) of non-welfare claimants we recently surveyed don’t believe they are entitled to any support even though they are on low incomes and over a fifth (22 per cent) have experienced a decrease in income over the past year.

Most worryingly, over a third (34 per cent) said they were either unlikely to check their benefits if a major change happened in their personal circumstances or were unsure if they would do so.

Benefits exist as a vital lifeline for those who find themselves in financial need due to a number of different circumstances.

In this period of welfare reform, it’s high time that a better balance was struck in the way that benefits are presented and perceived in the UK.

Though our annual Benefits Awareness Month campaign has come to an end, we won’t rest in our attempts to work with our partners, the media and other opinion formers to ensure a fairer view of the benefits system and to help encourage anyone in need to access support available to them.

Anyone struggling financially who wishes to check what they’re entitled to can visit our website to access a free benefits calculator at www.turn2us.org.uk.

Alison Taylor, Director at Turn2us.