ABSTRACT
T Take-up 'Take-up' refers to the actual receipt of some benefit for which one is entitled to make a claim. The take-up rate is the percentage of those receiving related to the total number estimated to be eligible. Estimates are liable to error both in relation to the total eligible and to those taking up the benefit (as some benefits run for up to twelve months, those counted as receiving may in fact no longer be below income limits). Reasons for the comparatively low take-up rates include ignorance (despite publicity), complexity of the schemes, stigma, and invasion of privacy. National Consumer Council (1976) Means-Tested Benefits.
