Author: Society Matters

In recent months, various politicians have often repeated the claim that Britain’s welfare system is “too easy to claim.” This narrative, designed to suggest widespread dependency, could not be further from the truth. The reality is starkly different: the biggest problem is not overclaiming, but underclaiming.

According to research by Policy in Practice, more than £24 billion in benefits will go unclaimed in 2025–26. That includes £11.1 billion in Universal Credit and billions more in disability benefits and carers’ support. An estimated seven million households are missing out, with an average entitlement of £3,428 per household—money that could make the difference between heating and eating for many this winter.

Why do people not claim? The barriers are numerous. Complexity, digital exclusion, and stigma all can play a role. Lengthy forms and confusing rules deter those without specialist knowledge, while many older people—particularly those without digital access—simply give up trying. Carers, often already stretched thin and with little free time, are missing an estimated £2.4 billion in Carer’s Allowance. People with disabilities, who face extra costs every day, are underclaiming by billions in disability-related support. Far from being “too easy,” the system is often impenetrable.

This is not just an issue of lost income—it is about fairness and dignity. Every unclaimed pound represents someone potentially going without food, medication, or security. Benefits exist to provide stability, yet the system itself prevents people from accessing them.

The political narrative of ease masks a harsher truth: Britain’s welfare state is not overgenerous, but under-accessed. The challenge for policymakers is not how to cut entitlements, but how to remove barriers so that people—especially older citizens, carers, and disabled people—can claim the support that is already theirs by right.

Do you support people struggling to claim welfare benefits? We have several training courses including The Welfare Benefits System, An Introduction to Personal Independence Payment, DLA for Children, An Introduction to Universal Credit and Advanced Universal Credit. Check out our full list of training here.

The latest Ministry of Justice data paint a stark picture: more than 1,000 people a month are leaving prison homeless, an 82% increase in just two years and the highest figure since records began. While the number of individuals released has risen by 38% in the same period, the proportion becoming homeless has grown even faster, underscoring a deepening crisis.

This rise cannot be separated from the wider homelessness emergency in the UK. With 327,950 households assessed as homeless last year and rough sleeping up 20% in twelve months, those leaving prison are competing for housing in a system already at breaking point.

Schemes such as CAS-3, which provides up to 84 days of temporary accommodation, play an important role. Over 10,000 prison leavers used the scheme last year, a 45% increase in just one year and it now houses one in eight people leaving custody. But CAS-3 is a short-term safety net, not a long-term solution, and many fall outside its eligibility criteria.

Beyond housing, the challenges multiply. Navigating the welfare system is often the first hurdle. For someone leaving custody with little support, making a claim for Universal Credit can be a slow, complex process, leaving individuals without income at precisely the point when stability is most critical.

Social ties are another fragile lifeline. Many people leave prison to find themselves isolated from family and friends, relationships fractured by time, distance, or stigma. Without strong personal networks, the path to reintegration becomes even harder.

Employment represents yet another significant barrier. While securing a job is one of the strongest predictors of reduced reoffending, prison leavers face limited opportunities. They often lack recent work experience, struggle with the digital skills modern recruitment demands, and encounter overt discrimination from employers wary of criminal records. This exclusion entrenches poverty and increases the risk of returning to offending.

Taken together—homelessness, bureaucratic obstacles, social isolation, unemployment, and discrimination—these barriers form a cycle that is difficult to break without coordinated intervention. Supporting prison leavers is not simply a matter of social justice; it is a matter of public safety and economic sense. Stable housing, accessible benefits, family connection, and fair employment pathways are not luxuries, but essential tools to reduce reoffending and create safer communities.

⭐ Society Matters are proud to say we offer a full-day CPD-accredited course on Prisoners and Welfare Benefits where we go into detail on the challenges prisoners face and how we can support them to positively move forward with their lives now their offending is behind them.

Missed our live session? Don’t worry—you can now watch the full replay of Changes to the Immigration System at your convenience. Whether you’re catching up or tuning in for the first time, we invite you to explore the session and stay connected with the latest developments.

Join us for a practical, friendly, and informative webinar hosted by Society Matters CIC, designed to help you make sense of the sweeping immigration reforms introduced in July 2025.

Led by our experienced Trainer and Social Welfare Expert, Gareth Newman, this one-hour session will unpack what the changes mean for migrants, support workers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in the UK’s evolving immigration landscape.

What you’ll learn:

↪ A clear breakdown of the key immigration changes announced in July 2025
↪ How the UK immigration system currently operates
↪ The expected impact of the reforms on migration patterns
↪ Real-world challenges faced by migrants arriving in the UK

Whether you’re working directly with migrants, managing recruitment and compliance, or simply want to stay informed, this session will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to navigate the changes.

Who should attend?

↪Social welfare professionals
↪HR and recruitment teams
↪Community support workers
↪Legal advisors and caseworkers
↪Anyone with an interest in immigration policy

Why Choose Society Matters CIC Training?

Our CPD-accredited courses are designed to equip professionals with the practical knowledge and confidence they need to tackle complex social issues. Whether you’re:

• Navigating Universal Credit
• Advising on disability benefits
• Supporting people in custody
• Preventing homelessness

…our training will help your team stay informed, empowered, and ready to make a real impact.

What’s Included in the August Offer?

✅ All open courses – including our most popular sessions

✅ Private group bookings – perfect for team development days or tailored learning experiences

✅ Face-to-face delivery – our most engaging and interactive format

????️ Book in August, train when it suits you – You don’t need to complete the training in August to benefit from the discount. As long as you book or confirm your private course by 31st August, the offer applies.

No Code Needed – Just Book and Save

The 10% discount is automatically applied on our website between 1st and 31st August. There’s no need to enter a code – just browse, book, and save.

Or, if you’d prefer to chat through your options, email us at hello@societymatterscic.com and we’ll help tailor a training plan that works around your schedule.