Since March, the claimant count has increased by 120.8%. Using new survey data alongside administrative records, our latest report outlines who the new COVID-19 cohort of benefit claimants are & what currently distinguishes them from pre-existing claimants https://bit.ly/3mhwchP 

COVID-19 claimants are younger: 46% of new benefit claimants are aged 18-39, compared to 37% of pre-existing claimants. This age profile differs considerably from pre-pandemic claimants and does not correspond with ‘churn’ in and out of the benefits system usually observed

COVID-19 claimants are more likely to be BAME: 8% of new claimants are from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds compared to 6% of existing claimants. New BAME claimants have also been disproportionately impacted by job loss and/or a reduction in their hours

Many upper-middle class people are being incorporated into the benefits system for the first time: 26% of new claimants are from higher/intermediate managerial, administrative and professional backgrounds (‘Social Grade AB’), compared to just 15% of pre-existing claimants

Almost a third (32%) of COVID-19 claimants have a University Diploma or above, compared to 26% of existing claimants. Focusing exclusively on those aged 18-39, this rises to 41% of new claimants, compared to 28% of existing claimants

From this, it is clear there are distinctive challenges & financial vulnerabilities facing pre-existing and new COVID-19 claimants on the horizon. Our project will be exploring how both groups fare over the next 18 months. To sign up for our mailing list: https://bit.ly/2ZDOkZj