A study by researchers at the University of Stirling has found Britain's LGBT+ population suffer fear, stigma and exclusion when trying to claim social security benefits.
It's found a fear of discrimination means people have delayed claiming benefits.
Researchers want the system to be reformed, and more inclusive for those needing to claim benefits.
The survey found some LGBT+ parents believe they are ineligible to claim support from the social security system.
Data from over 10,000 UK households was used, along with more than 100 interviews.
Peter Matthews, co-author of the study and Professor of Social Policy and LGBTQ+ Studies at the University of Stirling, said: “Our study reveals some distressing findings - a social security system with inequalities and stigma towards Britain’s LGBT+ community and claimants who are worn down by that.
“We spoke to people intimidated and put off not only by the bureaucracy of the system, but by the surroundings, staff and lack of privacy in job centres. We found people operating with two identities – a ‘legal’ self who claims the benefits and another self who assumes their preferred sexual or gender identity. There were people who lied about their relationship status or hid them from the DWP to avoid intrusion and complexity.
“It is wrong that anyone feels shame, or is forced to lie, in order to access the social security benefits to which they are entitled. What is needed, and urgently, is a move away from a system that is punitive and exclusionary to one that is supportive, inclusive and individualised.”