This is the final workshop organised by our Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis as part of our ESRC-funded project on “Determinants and effects of benefit take-up: Insights from panel data and microsimulation modelling.”
One of the overlooked issues of delivering social benefits to their target population is imperfect take-up. The literature, while limited, shows that a significant proportion of individuals or households eligible for social benefits do not claim them. This phenomenon is not limited to the UK, but is widespread across countries. There are various reasons why take-up of social benefits, especially means-tested benefits, is far from perfect. Such factors include high claiming costs, administrative errors, lack of information about entitlements, and fear of stigma. This target inefficiency distorts the intended impact of social benefits and increases the degree of uncertainty surrounding estimates of budgetary implications and attainment of social policy objectives. Despite its relevance, the topic is however still poorly understood. How have the take-up rates changed over the years? Have they increased or decreased, especially after the rolling out of Universal Credit? Why do eligible individuals choose not to claim benefits? Is non-claiming temporary or permanent? Are there groups in society that are more inclined not to claim social benefits? Answering these questions will help to move away from the assumption – common in the policy debate – of full compliance to benefit rules, provide new insights to improve policy design, and fill research gaps in the literature. The workshop will highlight our findings alongside evidence from France and Spain on the impact of benefit reform on claimant behaviours.
The event will be held online, and registration is free. A videolink will be shared with registered participants a few days prior to the workshop.
Programme
Friday 30 October 2026
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Welcome and introductions |
| 09:10 – 09:50 | Melchior Vella (University of Malta and CeMPA) – Determinants of non-take-up in the UK |
| 09:50 – 10:30 | Daria Popova (CeMPA) – Effects of non-take-up in the UK |
| 10:30 – 10:40 | Break |
| 10:40 – 11:20 | Claire Leroy (Institute for Fiscal Studies, IFS) – Effect of welfare reforms on take-up behaviour, focusing on the French EITC case |
| 11:20 – 12:00 | Cécile Gayet (French Statistical Service of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, DREES)French minimum income and in-work benefits |
| 12:00 – 12:10 | Break |
| 12:10 – 12:50 | Amadeo Fuenmayor (University of Valencia) – Checking Minimum Vital Income NTU household by household: Using the Spanish Household Panel in EUROMOD |
| 12:50 – 13:00 | Closing remarks |