Do the Most Vulnerable Know About Income Support Policies? The Case of the Italian Reddito d'Inclusione (ReI)

Abstract

In order to alleviate enduring poverty rates, most European Union (EU) member states have developed policies against poverty since the 1980s. The effect of these policies is, however, undermined by low take-up rates amongst potential beneficiaries. Whilst studies on non-take-up have highlighted a series of explanations as to the reasons why potential beneficiaries do or do not apply for income support, few studies have investigated people’s awareness of the existence of such measures. Yet, knowing about the measure is the first step towards applying for social benefits. Relying on INAPP’s PLUS 2018–Participation, Labour, Unemployment Survey—a unique source of data for income support policies, we seek to assess the determinants of awareness of income support policies. We find that the most vulnerable groups are also those less aware of the measures designed to alleviate their situation.