secondary gain
nounUK /ˈsekəndəri ɡeɪn/
US /ˈsekənderi ɡeɪn/
A hidden extra benefit someone gets from being sick or having a problem.
The doctor thought her headaches gave her secondary gain because they let her skip school.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In psychology, the unconscious advantage a patient gets from an illness, such as care or rest.
Psychologists say secondary gain can slow recovery if it goes unnoticed.
3. In law, a benefit gained from a situation beyond the main or stated one.
The court looked for any secondary gain from the contract.
4. Any extra reward that comes from a problem rather than the solution.
Getting out of chores was a secondary gain of his injury.