Stress felt by people on main benefits had dropped during the pandemic, but new beneficiaries on the $490 a week Covid-19 Income Relief payments were feeling stressed and stigmatised. But, she said: “The people receiving the Covid-19 Income Relief Payment said they felt more financial worry, and were quite conscious about stigma and shame. People getting Covid-19 Income Relief Payment had already experienced one drop in income, and soon faced another. “Almost all people have chosen the $490​ of the Covid-19 payment, which suggests people aren’t being greedy. Just over 220 people have filled in the survey, but that included just 15 people receiving Covid-19 Income Relief Payments.

Source: Stuff August 29, 2020 03:11 UTC