Who are the long-term welfare recipients and what prevents them from progressing socially and economically?

Project description

This project examines who experiences long-term benefit receipt in the UK and the factors that may limit long-term benefit recipients' social and economic progression. It is funded by the Social Mobility Commission and aims to strengthen the evidence base on a group that remains under-examined in both research and policy.

The study combines a review of existing evidence with new quantitative analysis using Understanding Society data. Together, these strands will help identify the characteristics of long-term benefit recipients, the barriers they face, and the policy-relevant factors associated with movement into and out of sustained benefit receipt.

Research focus

The project will review existing evidence on long-term benefit recipients, the barriers to their progression, and the strategies most likely to support improved social and economic progress for this group. The new quantitative analysis will focus on three areas:

1. Defining a working definition of long-term benefit receipt, which can be operationalised in the quantitative research. Estimates of long-term benefit receipt prevalence and an assessment of the key demographic and socio-economic characteristics of those affected.
2. Estimating flows into and out of long-term benefit receipt, including an assessment of the extent to which individuals may become persistently reliant on benefits.
3. Identifying the socio-demographic and structural factors associated with transitions into and out of long-term benefit receipt.

A central aim is to understand the dynamics of benefit receipt over time, including whether some people become persistently reliant on benefits and how far movement on and off benefits reflects broader patterns of disadvantage, insecurity and labour market opportunity.

By focusing on long-term benefit receipt as both a policy and social mobility issue, the research will contribute evidence relevant to debates on welfare design, labour market support and the longer-term drivers of social and economic disadvantage.

Methods and outputs

The research includes a review of the literature and new empirical evidence on the scale and dynamics of long-term benefit receipt. The empirical research draws on 15 waves of Understanding Society, with scope to consider complementary longitudinal survey data where appropriate. The final report is intended for a mixed audience of policy-makers, social mobility researchers, academics, practitioners and the wider public.

Project duration

Duration: 1 April - 30 October 2026

Funder

Funder: Social Mobility Commission