Two social workers hit back yesterday at comments made by Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Social Development and Sport, that there was a “culture of entitlement” among “too many” recipients of financial assistance.

Martha Dismont, executive director of Family Centre, said her experience was that only “a very small percentage” of people saw the benefit as a right.

She said: “We actually see many families with the lack of skills to do something about their situation and they struggle to stay afloat.

“The majority of individuals that we see who are on financial assistance do not want to be on it. We don’t see a large percentage feeling entitled.”

Ms Dismont was backed by Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern.

Dr Fleming said: “There is still a stigma attached to receiving it and for some seniors and their families, there is also a sense of shame. We meet many people who do not want to be on financial assistance.”

She added that although a sense of entitlement existed among some recipients, “for the most part, this is not the case”.

The two spoke out after Mr DeSilva warned on Monday that the $1 million-per-week cost of financial assistance had to be tackled.

Latest government figures show 2,683 residents were on some form of financial assistance at the end of last month

A total of 1,001 people aged 65 and over, and who receive pensions, are also on assistance. Dr Fleming predicted that number would climb.

She said: “Pensions are not keeping up with inflation and retirement is still a mandatory requirement, with the cost of living among the most expensive in the world.”

Dr Fleming added that any reforms to the system must include education and retraining for younger and middle-aged able-bodied recipients.

She said the introduction of a living wage could also help lower the number of people requiring financial aid.

Ms Dismont said: “Reform should consist of sustained financial assistance for the disabled and seniors, and a process whereby able-bodied unemployed are provided with a ‘step up’ to increase skills to secure work.”

Asked about the ageing population, Mr DeSilva said: “Hopefully not everyone that turns 65 is going to need financial assistance.”

He added: “What we have to do is take those who are under 65 and be able to give them the tools and opportunities so that they can get off financial assistance and go to work.”

Earlier this month, the Throne Speech pledged to undertake a review of the financial assistance system, which it said “does not effectively serve either the clients or the Government”.

It added: “This review will require able-bodied unemployed persons who are receiving financial assistance to upgrade their education and skills to facilitate their return to the workforce.

“Financial assistance should encourage people to return to find work; therefore, people who take a part-time position will not find themselves penalised.

“This Government will reform financial assistance to reduce abuse, discourage dependency, and ensure that work pays.”

Last month, 2,477 people received help with basic monthly living costs, with 303 of those classed as able-bodied recipients.

There were 845 disabled people, described as temporary, and permanent and unfit for work, getting financial assistance, while 328 recipients are classified as low earners, people who are employed but do not earn enough to cover basic expenses.

A further 206 people received assistance with the cost of day care for young children as part of the child day care allowance programme, which is part of the financial assistance system.

Those figures are up on 2012, when 1,375 people claimed assistance; only 714 received the benefit in 2005-06.