Social Security reception areas on the ground floor of Markwell House in Douglas and in Ramsey Town Hall are closed until and including 31 January 2021 to protect the welfare of customers and staff.
Queries can be emailed to socialsecurity@gov.im or customers can call the Social Security enquiries number, +44 1624 685656.
New claims to all benefits can be submitted electronically or by post.
People who receive their state pensions or benefits at a Post Office using their MiCard are reminded that they can be paid direct into their bank account instead. This facility is now available for all benefit types.
Anyone who is currently getting their benefits or pensions by MiCard who would like to transfer to having direct payments to their bank account should call 685176, 685098 or 685054.
Ralph Peake MHK, Treasury Member with responsibility for Social Security, said:
‘The welfare of our customers and staff is our top priority. I hope that the public will appreciate that we have taken this decision in the best interests of everyone, and that officers will ensure a high standard of service is maintained to all our customers using phone and email until we are able to re-open our reception areas.
‘We recognise that this is a particularly worrying time for lots of people who are unable to work and may need to seek information and guidance, or claim social security benefits. There is a wealth of information on our website - claim forms can be requested by email or telephone, and completed claim forms can be submitted electronically or by post.’
He added:
‘I am aware how much some people appreciate the face-to-face support they get at Markwell House and Ramsey Town Hall, but in the interests of the safety of all in our community it is much more appropriate that we offer this support remotely at this point in time.
‘The Social Security Division is committed to providing an excellent standard of customer service - if you have any enquiries relating to pensions and benefits please contact the team by email or phone and we will be happy to offer you our assistance in the safest manner.’
Details of preferred forms of communication are set out below.
- Post: Social Security Division, Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2RZ
- Call: +44 1624 685656, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm and Friday from 9am to 5pm.
- Online: www.gov.im/socialsecurity
- MERA: email mera@gov.im, call +44 1624 648125.
- General Enquiries: email socialsecurity@gov.im, call +44 1624 685656
