Financial stress can take a heavy toll on mental wellbeing, leading to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress related illnesses. Often because of fuel poverty, cold homes can lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Diets can also be affected by low income, contributing to health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The ongoing cost of living crisis has highlighted these issues. More households are struggling to keep homes warm and manage day to day costs.

How income maximisation supports wellbeing

Income maximisation services aim to ensure that individuals and households are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to. This covers a range of areas such as welfare benefits, grants, debt relief, and other schemes.

Helping people to access the support they are entitled to can:

• Reduce stress and mental strain from financial-related issues
• Improve household living conditions
• Prevent health deterioration and reduce the need for emergency care

National studies have also shown that integrating financial advice into healthcare environments can reduce GP appointments for non-medical issues and provide greater support for individuals and families.

The benefit for organisations

For local authorities and NHS bodies, income maximisation is a proven way to achieve both social and financial returns.

If people can afford essentials, organisations can reduce the demand for crisis and emergency services, freeing up resources for those with greater needs. Income maximisation also helps to improve overall health of our population, closing the gap between inequalities.

With income maximisation in place, organisations can improve their services. Citizen’s advice released a study highlighting that for every £1 invested into income maximisation, it generates £10 in social benefits, reducing healthcare costs. Addressing the root causes of the issue provide a lasting impact rather than providing solutions for its impact.

Support your beneficiaries

Income maximisation is a cost-effective solution with proven results that can help transform public health outcomes. Incorporating this can reduce system pressures and deliver long term improvements in wellbeing.

Organisations can ensure their beneficiaries live a healthier life as well as being in a more financially secure position. Auriga works in partnership with health and local authorities to deliver income maximisation services that create lasting impact.