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PRINTEmbargoed until: Thursday 23 September 2010
Almost half (46%) of UK adults say they would dig into their savings to support themselves in the event that they were suddenly taken ill and had to take long term sick leave, according to a new survey released today.
The study, which was commissioned by Turn2us (part of the poverty charity Elizabeth Finn Care), asked a sample of the UK public how they would support themselves financially if they were suddenly taken ill and had to go on long-term sick leave.
Although 48% of people say they would rely on state benefits, the research suggests that there are a significant number of individuals who are not aware of the benefits and grants they may be able to source in the face of such an event.
Almost two-fifths (39%) of the country say they would rely on their partner’s income, 14% would use overdrafts and 10% would rely on plastic.
Matthew Sykes, Chief Executive of Elizabeth Finn Care, said: “The research, combined with our own experiences, shows that it can take a long time before people begin to seek help with their financial predicaments, with only 6% of respondents stating they would seek financial support and advice from grant giving charities if they suddenly fell ill and had to stop working. People are often too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for support.
“As soon as someone becomes ill, they, or people caring for them, should look at what financial help is available for them so they do not spend all their savings or accrue debt. We would encourage people who are in this situation to use Turn2us to look at ways of maximising their income ahead of falling into financial difficulties.”
Over a quarter (28%) of respondents do not think they would be entitled to benefits if they were suddenly taken ill and had to go on long-term sick leave from work, whilst 16% do not know if they would be entitled to them.
Dependent on particular circumstances, individuals who are ill might have the right to support from the welfare system, such as Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.
Matthew Sykes added: “The Turn2us website features a benefits checker, which people can use to see which state benefits they might be entitled to. A grants search also gives individuals the option to fill in criteria about their circumstances, such as an illness, so they can see which types of charitable funds they might be eligible for.”
Meanwhile, over half (52%) of the UK say they would have to budget on the cost of food if they had to go on long-term sick leave, while only 11% would rely on income protection insurance to support themselves.
Turn2us helps people in financial need access the money available to them in welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. It brings together an easy to use Benefits Checker and a Grants Search giving access to over 3,500 charitable funds – all available through www.turn2us.org.uk.
ENDS
For further information and interviews, please contact:
Kellie Smith, Senior Press Officer. Telephone: 020 8834 9263. Mobile: 07783 435 746. kellie.smith@elizabethfinn.org.uk. Hythe House, 200 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NL.
Notes to Editors:
• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2209 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th - 18th June 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
• Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that helps people in financial need through direct financial support and access to welfare benefits, grants and other financial help from over 3,500 charities using the Turn2us comprehensive website (www.turn2us.org.uk)
• Since being founded in 1897, the charity has given away over £130m to people in need. In 2009/2010 over 3564 British and Irish citizens were given grants totalling £3,669,920 by Elizabeth Finn Care.
• Turn2us was founded by Elizabeth Finn Care in 2007, and merged into Elizabeth Finn Care in October 2009.