In some countries there is a rather big percentage of people not taking the social benefits, if they belong to them according the laws. What are the reasons for that in Your country?
If the benefits aren't huge, a lot of people just can't be bothered dealing with the bureaucracy, and its frustrating and time-consuming application procedures, because their time is more valuable to them. Also, some of the benefits can be temporary or illusory if they end up being included in the calculation of taxable income.
On the other hand, I doubt many people would refuse benefits that they are given automatically without having to apply for them. If someone has to apply for a $50 rebate they might just decide that their time and effort isn't worth expending for that amount, whereas if someone automatically receives a cheque in the mail for a $50 rebate they are entitled to, they aren't likely to return it.
If the benefits aren't huge, a lot of people just can't be bothered dealing with the bureaucracy, and its frustrating and time-consuming application procedures, because their time is more valuable to them. Also, some of the benefits can be temporary or illusory if they end up being included in the calculation of taxable income.
On the other hand, I doubt many people would refuse benefits that they are given automatically without having to apply for them. If someone has to apply for a $50 rebate they might just decide that their time and effort isn't worth expending for that amount, whereas if someone automatically receives a cheque in the mail for a $50 rebate they are entitled to, they aren't likely to return it.
Another problem is poor access to information and inefficient procedures with no accountability. Bureaucratic personnel are uninformed or misinformed about their own policies and procedures, webpages aren't properly updated or misleading, no opportunites for face-to-face contact, long telephone wait times, personnel not responding to (or hiding behind) voicemail. Meanwhile, application deadlines are rigidly enforced.
Thanks, Karl! For describing various reasons of not availing of social benefits by many people in their countries, even if they are eligible to receive those legally. I strongly agree with you views.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Philosophy
- Philosophy Of Science
- Reasoning