Delivering Benefits in Old Age: The Take up of the Minimum Income Guarantee

Although means-testing for Social Security transfers is economical, it hasn't proven to be very effective. The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and the Pension Credit initiatives implemented by the Labour Government in the UK have both suffered from low levels of take up amongst entitled pensioners. This book sheds important new light on this pressing problem, examining existing research on take-up and highlighting gaps in understanding. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical base, drawing on European theory and applying it to the UK. Socio-economic, demographic and attitudinal trends are analyzed to elucidate the impact they have had, and will have, on the proportion entitled to MIG and its take-up rate. Current policy is also analyzed to explore the importance of take-up for the Labour government and the prospects of improving it. As high take-up would be an important step in combating poverty, this book offers solutions and options to tackle these problems. It is therefore of critical interest to academics and policy makers in the UK and around the world.