Isle of Man Benefits and Financial Support News

Triple lock pensions pledge and targeted winter support package

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:37:51 GMT

The Isle of Man Government’s policy of mirroring the UK Government’s approach to the pensions triple lock will continue to be supported in next year’s Budget.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson MHK made the announcement today while highlighting a series of targeted support measures to help the most vulnerable in our community with the cost of living this winter.

The UK Government is expected to reveal in the coming weeks its position on the triple lock arrangement, which has been in place since 2010.

Minister Allinson said:

‘Today’s announcement is aimed at providing pensioners with reassurance on the issue as we head into winter. The matter has been considered carefully and will be subject to a further comprehensive review after April in terms of looking at how rises will be calculated going forward.’

Support measures to assist the vulnerable and those on low incomes this winter will be brought to the November sitting of Tynwald.

The Winter Bonus will be reintroduced after being suspended for a year while Energy Support Payments were instead provided to help more people in receipt of low income benefits with extraordinary increases in domestic fuel costs.

The winter bonus, which is payable to certain people who get income support, is normally worth £350 but may be reduced if an individual shares responsibility for the payment of housing costs. Payments will be made automatically to those who qualify.

Further details, including qualifying criteria, can be found on the dedicated Winter Bonus page on the Isle of Man Government website.

A Christmas Bonus of £40 will be paid to people who receive state pensions and certain other benefit payments for any day in the week beginning with the last Monday in November. The Christmas Bonus is payable to a wider range of beneficiaries in the Isle of Man than in the UK, where the payment is £10, in particular certain people under state pension age who get Income Support or Employed Person’s Allowance.

You can find out more about the Christmas Bonus within the Benefits Information Guide.

Minister Allinson added:

‘The Treasury is committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our society with appropriate assistance to help meet living costs. The two bonus payments being brought forward next month are targeted at those who need it most, putting £1.8m in people’s pockets: the Winter Bonus is expected to cost £800,000 and reach more than 900 pensioners and 1,350 working people; while the Christmas Bonus will benefit 25,000 individuals or families and cost around £1 million.’

The provision of free TV licences for all residents aged 75 and over will be extended until the end of 2024. The existing arrangement was set to expire on 31 December 2023 but will now run for a further 12 months.

The BBC has funded licences for pensioners who qualify for income support since 01 January 2021, benefiting around 500 households locally. There are approximately 5,000 households with a person aged 75 or over in the Island who does not receive income support and whose licences are paid for by the Isle of Man Government.

For more information, visit the TV License page on the Isle of Man Government website.

Minister Allison said:

‘It is hoped that this further extension will reassure those affected as well as enabling them to stay continue using their television sets without any financial burden. It must be noted that a review of the provision for those who don’t receive income support is under way, with the intention of exploring options around the introduction of additional eligibility criteria when the present arrangement expires on 31 December 2024.’

Help for Households website signposts community support this winter

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:20:54 GMT

As winter approaches, steps are being taken to signpost individuals, families, and businesses to support available to deal with the costs of living during the colder months.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Kate Lord-Brennan MHK, said:

‘Our goal is to raise awareness of the various support options available by packaging them together as a central online resource for the community. We also continue to provide a free telephone support line. I encourage anyone looking for help or support to explore the various initiatives that are available to them.’

Launched last year, the Isle of Man Help for Households website has been updated as the place to find advice and recommendations on staying warm and well this winter, particularly for older people and those at risk. It features a comprehensive directory for those seeking support or who wish to raise welfare concerns. There’s also guidance for businesses around the scope and range of schemes available through the Department for Enterprise.

The Winter Help Advice Line is designed for those who may not use the internet or have access to a computer. The dedicated phone line can be contacted on +44 1624 686262 and is available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The Energy Efficiency Scheme offers eligible households free energy-saving materials and devices, including loft insulation, radiator valves, and draught excluders. This initiative currently allows individuals to access items worth up to £750. More than 3,000 homes have already taken up energy saving measures available under the scheme.

The Manx Lottery Trust is ready to provide community organisations with between £300 and £2,500, through its Small Grants Scheme, to increase the provision of community spaces. The initiative enables charities, local authorities and community groups to provide warm and welcoming spaces in which people can socialise while reducing the burden of energy costs at home.

South Douglas MHK and trustee of the Manx Lottery Trust, Sarah Maltby MHK, said:

‘Although the ‘Community Warm Spaces Fund’ will not be available this winter, projects to bring people together in a similar way may be eligible for funding from Manx Lottery Trust Grant Programmes. I would encourage any group or person looking to bring the community together this winter, to review the guidelines for each grant or contact the MLT team for advice and support.’

Organisations wishing to publish the details of a Warm Space on the Help for Households website can get in touch via CoLenquiries@gov.im

Incapacity Benefit can now be claimed online

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:02:28 GMT

An online application form for Incapacity Benefit has been launched as the first phase of a project transforming the delivery of Social Security services.

Future developments will see the launch of online applications and communication options in relation to Income Support, followed by Employed Person’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Sarah Maltby MHK, Treasury Member with responsibility for Social Security, said:

‘Incapacity Benefit was chosen as the first online form to be developed due to the high volumes of claims and submissions received each week from a broad range of people across the community. The launch of the Incapacity Benefit claim form is an exciting milestone in this important project as the team strives to make processes more efficient, accessible and convenient.

‘Our project team is now working on the next phase, which includes two-way secure messaging, enabling people to exchange messages with the division via a secure online channel, removing the need for letters and paper submissions.’

People wishing to apply online need to be registered with Isle of Man Government online services in order to set up a Social Security account. Anyone who is not yet registered can do so at gov.im/onlineservices.

Once registered, customers can apply for Incapacity Benefit via services.gov.im/social-security, upload supporting documentation in various formats including scanned images and photographs, and extend their claim by uploading further medical certificates.

For further information, email incapacitybenefits@gov.im or call +44 1624 685656 (option 1). Support is also available at the public counter in Markwell House, Douglas, Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm.

Pensions and benefits can now be paid into accounts weekly

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:30:27 GMT

State pensions and all benefits types can now be paid directly into people’s bank accounts weekly.

Until now the facility has only been available for payments made on a monthly basis.

Sarah Maltby MHK, Treasury Member with responsibility for Social Security, said:

‘Our customers have told us that one of the reasons they chose not to have payments made directly into their bank accounts was because we could not offer this on a weekly basis. We listened and took action, developing the systems required to meet our customers’ needs. Making payments directly into a bank account is the most secure, convenient and efficient way for most people to access and manage their money.’

Anyone who is currently receiving their payments using the MiCard system and who would like to transfer to having direct payments to their bank account should visit gov.im/socialsecurity and download and complete the Payment of Benefits and Pensions into an Account form. The form should then be posted to Social Security, Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2RZ. Anyone who is unable to access the online form can request a hard copy to be posted out to them by emailing socialsecurity@gov.im or calling 685656.

Customers who do not have a bank account or wish to continue to use the MiCard service can collect their pensions or benefits at branches of the Isle of Man Post Office in person or can nominate someone to collect on their behalf.

Tynwald approves cost of living support package

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:40:08 GMT

Tynwald yesterday voted unanimously to approve the cost of living support package presented by Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson MHK.

The package will ensure that all residents benefit from some help from increasing cost pressures this winter, while additional support will target those at a higher risk of food and fuel poverty.

The measures include:

Capping electricity prices at their current level for all customers including businesses until 31 March 2023, funded by a £26 million loan to Manx Utilities
A third round of support payments in December for those in receipt of child benefit and those on low incomes
Capping bus fares at a maximum of £2 per journey from 1 November 2022 for a three-month trial
Accelerating £8 million programme to improve energy efficiency in homes
The establishment of a Community Support Fund

Minister Allinson said:

‘The range of measures now in place is designed to support our community during what is expected to be a challenging period over the winter months. The agreed strategy will help reduce the costs of energy prices, support those on lower incomes, increase energy efficiency within households and empower communities to come together in these difficult times.’

Reskill Scheme to help people who want to return to work

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:05:25 GMT

Applications are now open for individuals to join the Manx Reskill Scheme, offering employment opportunities to people with long term health conditions or disabilities who want to return to work.

The Disability Employment Service will match applicants to work opportunities based on their skills, experience, preferences and aspirations. Their salary costs will then be covered by Government for up to 12 months.

The service will also provide pre-employment support and coaching, and will co-ordinate ongoing support to help make the placements as successful as possible.

People interested in the scheme will also benefit from an assessment by Government Occupational Health, focussing on the types of roles or sectors which might suitable, and reasonable adjustments for this.

Participation in the Manx Reskill scheme is entirely voluntary. Benefit claimants will not suffer any detriment if they choose not to take part or if they withdraw after having enrolled.

Sarah Maltby MHK, Treasury Member with responsibility for Social Security, said:

‘It has been encouraging to see the number of businesses that have signed up to be part of the Manx Reskill Scheme. Securing the right kind of work can be life changing either because it can bring financial stability, social benefits or may aid recovery or management of an individual’s physical symptoms and mental wellbeing.

‘I hope by helping people to find rewarding employment with a supportive employer not only do we enable recruitment of new talent into the workforce which supports our local economy but the new employees also feel empowered and valued. I am looking forward to seeing this scheme take off and excited to see the desired outcomes of this scheme be achieved’

Anyone who is interested in this scheme are asked to apply online, or to get in touch with the Employment Services Team at reskill@gov.im

Isle of Man Pensions Ombudsman’s report published

Thu, 12 May 2022 15:35:53 GMT

A report from the Isle of Man Pensions Ombudsman has been published on the Isle of Man Government website.

The Pensions Ombudsman is appointed by the Isle of Man Treasury under Part X of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 as it is applied to the Isle of Man.

Their primary function is to investigate and determine complaints and disputes concerning occupational and personal pension schemes.

They act independently and impartially, and their determinations are final and binding - subject to an appeal to the Manx courts on a point of law. Any directions are enforceable as if they had been made by the High Court.

Deputy Pensions Ombudsman Ian Greenstreet was appointed to the role of Pensions Ombudsman on 6 April 2019 for a term of 5 years, following the retirement of the previous incumbent, Tony King.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MBE MHK said:

‘I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Greenstreet for his valued services as the Isle of Man Pensions Ombudsman and for the diligent way in which he goes about his work.

‘I’m sure his report will prove to be a very useful reference for pension scheme managers and administrators based in the Island and I look forward to receiving further reports from him in the future.’

The report is available to view and download at the at the Isle of Man Pensions Ombudsman webpage at gov.im.

Check if you qualify for help with rising living costs

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:46:53 GMT

People struggling to cope with the rising cost of living are encouraged to check whether they are eligible for a Variable Rate Energy Support Payment.

The payment is aimed at those who are not in receipt of income-related benefit — and therefore did not automatically receive an Energy Support Payment — but are on a low income and hold responsibility for housing costs.

The Variable Rate Energy Support Payment was introduced to avoid the ‘cliff edge’ associated with targeting support solely at those on income related benefits. Tapered support is provided through a reduced value payment to people whose incomes are marginally above the levels at which income-related benefits apply.

The payment can be worth up to £225, although how much a person receives depends on their circumstances: how much money they have coming in to their household; their savings; and whether they share their housing costs with anyone else who isn’t their spouse or partner.

Entitlement is assessed based on a person’s circumstances and income during the week commencing Monday 11 April 2022.

Claims must be made before 11 July 2022 and forms can be obtained by emailing ISP@gov.im or calling +44 1624 685053.

Circumstances	A Variable Rate Energy Support Payment may be payable if your weekly income is less than the amounts below
Single Pensioner	£412.40
Couple Pensioner	£522.55
Single person under pensionable age, no children	£341.35
Couple under pensionable age, no children	£400.40
Single parent with one child	£433.40
Single parent with two children	£497.65
Couple under pensionable age with one child	£497.80
Couple under pensionable age with two children	£556.70

Coronavirus support scheme payments published

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:16:32 GMT

The Isle of Man Government has today published details of payments made under the various Coronavirus support schemes.

The data is available at iomdfenterprise.im/coronavirus/ and includes details of applicants who received financial assistance under the following schemes:

Coronavirus Business Support Scheme
Business Premises Support Scheme
Hospitality Transition Support Scheme
Winter Disruption Scheme
December Disruption scheme
Coronavirus Recovery Scheme
Strategic Capacity Scheme
Salary Support Scheme

Changes ahead for Employed Persons’ Allowance

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:25 GMT

Changes to rules around Employed Persons Allowance (EPA) will come into effect from 18 October 2022, with support now available for anyone who will be affected.

The changes involve an increase in the minimum number of hours that some individuals and couples must work in order to qualify for EPA.

To qualify for EPA from 18 October 2022:

Lone parents whose youngest or only child is aged 13 or over must work at least 24 hours a week (currently 16 hours)
Couples whose youngest or only child is aged 6 or over must work at least 48 hours a week (currently 30 hours), but they will be able to make up these hours in whatever combination they choose. For example, one partner could work 40 hours a week while the other partner works 8 hours a week, or they could both work 24 hours a week
Couples whose youngest or only child is aged under 6 must work at least 35 hours a week (currently 30 hours), but they will be able to make up these hours in whatever combination they choose, like the example above

The changes were approved by Tynwald in May 2019 and were due to come into effect in June 2020, but have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. With Tynwald approval the changes were delayed firstly to April 2021 and then to April 2022, and late last year it was agreed the changes would be applied in October 2022.

There will be exceptions to the new minimum work requirements set out above where, for example, an adult or child in the family is sick, disabled, is at least six months pregnant or is receiving a bereavement support payment.

The Social Security division of the Treasury is inviting customers who require more information regarding how these changes may affect them to contact the EPA team as soon as possible on + 44 1624 685092 or email EPA@gov.im

The Job Centre offers assistance with preparing for interviews, searching for jobs, writing a CV, and updating training and skills. Anyone who would like help or advice should contact officers on +44 1624 687014 or email jobcentre@gov.im

Support for those on lowest incomes and families receiving Child Benefit in face of rising energy prices

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:26:07 GMT

The Isle of Man Government is bringing forward two financial schemes to support those on the lowest incomes and families receiving Child Benefit, following today’s announcement by Manx Gas that tariffs will rise a further 58% from Friday 1 April 2022.

The payments outlined below are intended to support households over the coming six-month period, after which the situation will be reviewed.

Energy Support Payment

Further to Winter Bonus and Additional Winter Bonus payments made in January and March this year, a £300 Energy Support Payment will be available to households responsible for housing costs and receiving income-related benefit. In addition, people whose incomes are marginally above the levels at which Income Support would be payable may be able to claim a proportion of the Energy Support Payment. The total cost of this measure is estimated to be just over £1m, benefitting up to 3,500 households.

Family Support Payment

Additionally, £1.8million will be available to help more than 6,000 families in our community through a Family Support Payment for families receiving Child Benefit. This will provide all families receiving full rate Child Benefit with £300 per household, with a reduced rate payable to those whose household income is assessed as being between £50,000 and £80,000. Furthermore, an additional £50 will be paid to all families receiving Child Benefit with at least two children, and £100 for families with at least three children. The payments for additional children will not be reduced according to household income.

The aim is for the first Energy Support Payments to be automatically made during April to those in receipt of Income Support, Employed Person’s Allowance and Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance in week commencing Monday 4 April, and who have been in receipt of income related benefit for at least four weeks. Family Support Payments are expected to follow in May.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MBE MHK said:

‘The Treasury is well aware of the significant impact that this unavoidable rise in energy costs is going to have on many in our community, and the level of concern there will be among those on the lowest incomes.

‘As I have said before, we cannot help everyone - but the Council of Ministers is committed to providing support to those in a vulnerable financial position, as well as to recognise the disproportionate impact these rises in energy costs will have on families with children.

‘These are likely to be one-off payments, and are intended to cover a six-month period. I therefore encourage households to budget accordingly, to ensure they use the support to spread the cost of their bills over the next six months, rather than using it all in one go’.

Minister Ashford added:

‘As Child Benefit is already income-tested, using this as a structure to target support allows us to ensure those on the lowest incomes get the maximum support, at the same time as supporting families in receipt of Child Benefit.’

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘I am acutely aware of the current cost of living crisis being felt directly here on the Island and across the globe. The financial impact on our people, businesses and families is the most sizeable one we have faced for a generation.

‘The Council of Ministers has been planning a range of responses to the cost challenges facing this Island for a number of weeks. We will be coming forward with further measures designed to ensure that we target support in the most effective way possible.

‘The announcement from the Treasury Minister today is welcome and marks the first step in our response.’

More information will be made available in due course.

Manx Isolation Payment to end on Friday 1 April

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:10:53 GMT

The Manx Isolation Payment is ending in line with the removal of self-isolation rules for people who have contracted Covid-19 from Friday 1 April 2022.

The MIP was introduced in January this year, and provided a lump sum payment of £300 to people who had registered a positive test and were instructed to isolate accordingly. It was paid to an applicant who had to isolate for at least 4 days in a row, and who met other qualifying conditions.

While the MIP will no longer be available after Thursday 31 March 2022, people who are unable to work due to incapacity may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit if they meet certain conditions, including those relating to National Insurance Contributions.

This is payable at the rate of £86.55 per week, increasing to £89.25 per week from 11 April 2022. People who do not qualify for Incapacity Benefit - or who do qualify but do not have enough money to live on - may be able to claim Income Support either instead or in addition.

Further information on Social Security benefits available for Illness and Disabilities is available on the Isle of Man Government website, under the Benefits and Financial Support menu on the gov.im home page.

Guidance can also be provided at the Social Security public reception desks at Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2RZ, between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday or Ramsey Town Hall each Tuesday, 9.15am-1pm and 1.45pm-4.30pm.

Rule changes lead to reduction in self-certified sick period

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:09:22 GMT

The maximum period for which a person can self-certify their incapacity for work for benefits purposes is being reduced from 21 days to 14 days.

The Treasury is making the announcement in line with the relaxation around self-isolation rules for people who have contracted Covid-19.

The change applies to claims made on or after Friday 1 April 2022.

People are able to self-certify their incapacity for work by completing a form SC1 ‘Claim for Incapacity Benefit’ form and submitting it to Social Security.

After 14 days, anyone who is still unable to return to work and needs to extend their claim to incapacity benefits will require a sick note (Med3) from a Medical Practitioner.

It should be noted that the conditions apply only for social security purposes, and employers must determine their own policies.

More information is available.

Anyone who is not able to access the website or needs more information should call Social Security on +44 1624 685656 or email socialsecurity@gov.im

Manx Isolation Payment to provide more financial support to more people

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:54:31 GMT

A new £300 Manx Isolation Payment will come into effect on Monday 10 January for those who test positive for COVID-19 and are unable to work.

The lump-sum will replace a system which provides those qualifying for short-term Incapacity Benefit with £230 a week for up to 14 days. It will apply only to people whose period of isolation begins on or after 10 January.

From Monday, short term Incapacity Benefit for new claimants will revert to the standard rate of £86.55 a week. This will coincide with the introduction of the Manx Isolation Payment, which must be applied for separately once a person has completed a full 4 days in isolation.

A Manx Isolation Payment is payable to a person once in any 26-week period and the online application form will be available from Friday 14 January.

It is available to both employees who have been earning at least £120 a week and to self-employed individuals who have been paying class 2 National Insurance contributions. However, it is not available to employees, including Isle of Man Government employees, who receive either full pay or more than half of their normal rate of pay for the isolation period.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK said:

‘The introduction of the Manx Isolation Payment is designed to get more financial help to a broader range of people.

‘It has become apparent that Incapacity Benefit was not reaching some groups, particularly younger workers. We are therefore tweaking our approach to address this need while using qualification criteria similar to that used in the past for MERA payments.’

A Manx Isolation Payment will be considered as income for Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance purposes in the week in which it is paid. It will have no impact on any other benefits.

For further information, including qualification criteria and how to apply, visit the Manx Isolation Payment page.

The best way to contact the team directly in relation to the Manx Isolation Payment is to email MIP@gov.im – if this isn’t possible, call +44 1624 685656.

Free TV licences for over 75s extended for 2022

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:08:09 GMT

The Isle of Man Government will continue to meet the cost of TV licences for residents aged over 75 who don't receive income support until the end of 2022.

The previous administration guaranteed funding of free TV licences for all over 75s in the Island for this year, allowing the new administration to consider the position going forward.

A decision has now been made to extend universal provision of free TV licences for all those over 75 for another year. This will enable a review to be undertaken and options for introducing additional eligibility criteria to be explored.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK said:

'It is important we make this commitment, allay any anxiety and be clear that provision will remain in place for a further 12 months.

'Consideration will now be given to how provision may look in the future and an update will be made in due course around any conditions which may be established.'

The BBC has funded licences for pensioners who qualify for income support since 1 January 2021. This position is not under review.

Delay proposed to Employed Person’s Allowance changes

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:00:44 GMT

Tynwald Members will be asked at January’s sitting to approve a further six-month delay to changes to rules around Employed Person’s Allowance (EPA).

The changes were approved by Tynwald in May 2019 and were due to come into effect in June 2020 before being postponed twice, with Tynwald approval, firstly to April 2021 and then to April 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The changes involve an increase in the minimum number of hours that some individuals and couples must work in order to qualify for EPA.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK said:

‘The world is a very different place to when these changes were approved in 2019, and the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic is still of great concern to many in our community.

‘With this in mind, and the agreement of Tynwald, I’d like to press the pause button. If approved, a six-month delay will enable us to assess the position and consider the impact these changes may have on vulnerable working families.’

The changes mean that to qualify for EPA from 19 April 2022, or October 2022 if a six-month delay is approved:

Lone parents whose youngest or only child is aged 13 or over must work at least 24 hours a week (currently 16 hours)
Couples whose youngest or only child is aged 6 or over must work at least 48 hours a week (currently 30 hours), but they will be able to make up these hours in whatever combination they choose. For example, one partner could work 40 hours a week while the other partner works 8 hours a week, or they could both work 24 hours a week
Couples whose youngest or only child is aged under 6 must work at least 35 hours a week (currently 30 hours), but they will be able to make up these hours in whatever combination they choose, like the example above.

There would be exceptions to the new minimum work requirements set out above where, for example, an adult or child in the family is sick, disabled, is at least six months pregnant or is receiving a bereavement support payment.

The Social Security Division of the Treasury is inviting customers who require more information regarding how the changes may affect them to contact the EPA team on 685092 or email EPA@gov.im

Employment Services (formerly referred to as the Job Centre) offers assistance with preparing for interviews, searching for jobs, writing a CV and updating training and skills. Anyone who would like help or advice should contact officers on 687014 or email jobcentre@gov.im

LoveIOM Gift Card Scheme now open for merchant applications from within the hospitality sector

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:28:09 GMT

The LoveIOM Gift Card Scheme, is now open for merchant applications from the hospitality sector. The scheme was introduced in August by the Economic Recovery Group (ERG), as a new initiative to encourage additional spending to support the economy. Over half a million Pounds has been set aside for incentives to support the scheme.

The gift card is due to be launched to consumers later this month. Initially, the card can be used in hospitality businesses that have signed up to the LoveIOM Gift Card Scheme. Hospitality businesses include restaurants, cafés, takeaways and serviced accommodation providers.

Local hospitality businesses can register for the scheme for free online, by completing the easy to use form at this link www.loveiom.com/merchants. Unlike many other ecommerce platforms and gift card schemes, there are no merchant transaction fees associated with the LoveIOM Gift Card.

Once on-boarded, each hospitality merchant will receive a welcome pack, a business profile on the LoveIOM.com website and access to a merchant portal that will provide detailed information on each individual business’s gift card sales and fortnightly redemption pay-out reports.

To celebrate the public launch later this month, the Isle of Man Government will be introducing the first of its consumer-based incentives with an early adopter sign up offer as well as a mid-week dining incentive giving them the ability to earn additional credit. More news on these incentives will be announced in due course.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Political Member for Business Isle of Man an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise and ERG, commented:

‘The LoveIOM Gift Card is one of the Island’s biggest and most ambitious shop local initiatives ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of our local economy and our independent businesses. The Economic Recovery Group anticipate that the LoveIOM Gift Card and its associated incentives, will help our Island on its road to recovery; stimulating spending and increasing footfall initially across the local hospitality industry; which has been one of the hardest hit sectors following the outbreak of COVID-19.

‘However, having local merchants on-board is key to the success of the scheme and we hope that a stronger, more collaborative business community will develop as a result. This is a real opportunity for our hospitality businesses to benefit from increased footfall and consumer spend; especially during the off-peak season, and I thoroughly encourage these local business owners to embrace the scheme.’

Hospitality businesses who wish to sign up as a merchant partner should visit: www.loveiom.com/merchants

An FAQ document and a Gift Card Guide for merchants, which covers the application, on-boarding and operational processes associated with the Gift Card, are available here: www.loveiom.com/merchants

Consumers who wish to stay updated on the scheme are encouraged to follow LoveIOM on Facebook (@loveiom.im) or Instagram (@love.iom).

Survey to inform future of social security payments

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 12:00:25 GMT

A survey has been launched today (Monday 4 October) which aims to understand why some people choose to collect their benefits and pension in cash using the MiCard system, rather than have them paid directly into a bank account or on to a pre-paid card.

The short survey covers a total of eight questions which seek to gather directly the views of recipients and help the Social Security team and Isle of Man Post Office plan the provision of future services.

Everyone collecting benefits and pensions at a sub post office will be encouraged to take part, and paper copies will be available to fill in at all post offices and the Social Security reception areas at Markwell House in Douglas and Ramsey Town Hall.

The survey document is also available to view and complete online at the Government’s consultation hub - consult.gov.im - where it may also be downloaded.

Alternatively, written comments can be emailed to micardenquiries@gov.im or by post: MiCard Survey, Social Security, First Floor Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2RZ.

The process will run for four weeks and conclude on Sunday 31 October 2021.

New Support Announced for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:32:17 GMT

As well as increasing the amount of incapacity benefit available to individuals who are unable to work due to isolation, the Economic Recovery Group has announced new support for businesses and self-employed persons that have been negatively impacted by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

Support will be available for those in customer facing roles who are unable to work from home (such as those in the retail, catering, leisure and lifestyle sectors) and are affected by self-isolation requirements of staff or drop in customer demand.

Applicants will fill in one application form and will be entitled to claim either a grant equivalent to one years’ business premises rates payment, or a lump sum payment of £1,000.

The Business Premises Support Scheme will provide eligible applicants who have commercial premises with a grant payment equivalent to one year’s rates bills.

The Coronavirus Business Support Scheme (CBSS) will provide a payment of £1,000 to businesses and the self-employed who do not have commercial premises (or for whom the sum is greater than the cost of their rates).

Both grants are subject to evidence of a decreased turnover of 25% or more against July 2019 and can be used toward any business overheads, staffing costs, to alleviate cash flow issues.

The Department for Enterprise have been facilitating feedback from representatives of a wide range of sectors and yesterday members of the Economic Recovery Group met with the Chamber of Commerce. This information has been carefully considered when introducing these schemes. While Government communication with Chamber has been consistent throughout the pandemic, it is the Economic Recovery Group’s intention to meet formally with Chamber representatives more frequently going forward.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan, who chairs the Economic Recovery Group, said:

‘We acknowledge that many businesses find themselves in a challenging position and that the rise in COVID-19 cases has increased the number of staff that are unavailable to attend their normal place of work as well as consumer demand. While isolating due to illness remains the correct personal response, we appreciate that this is inadvertently impacting some businesses, individuals and the self-employed and particularly those in customer facing roles.

‘We are extremely grateful for the time that businesses have taken to provide us with this information. The challenges that businesses are facing are multi-faceted and the three new support measures have been designed to provide as much flexibility as possible.

‘As well as accessing these schemes once launched, I would also ask businesses where possible to access the full range of support already available to them, which include access to Government backed working capital loans, business improvement payments, and importantly the Business Adaptation Grant.’

Further information on the Business Premises Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme will be made available next week at the COVID-19 website.

Incapacity Benefit Increases to Support Isolation

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 17:14:44 GMT

Treasury has announced a temporary increase to the rate of Incapacity Benefit for the first 14 days of absence from work in order to improve support for persons unable to work due to isolation. The rate of short term Incapacity Benefit will increase from £86.55 per week to £230.00 per week for the first 14 days of absence to cover the period most people who test positive for COVID19 are required to isolate. This will be effective for all claims made in respect of a period of absence starting on or after Sunday 18th July.

Further support for businesses impacted by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases is also being actively considered and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Minister for Treasury, Hon. Alfred Cannan, MHK commented:

'We have been listening to concerns from individuals, businesses and representative groups in recent days about the increasing number of people having to isolate. The vast majority of workers having to isolate will be eligible for Incapacity Benefit for the period they are unable to work due to isolation. We recognise that the existing rate of Incapacity Benefit does not incentivise persons to take the right action and get tested if they show symptoms of COVID. We are therefore temporarily increasing the rate of Incapacity Benefit from £86.55 to £230 per week (= £32.86 per day) for the first 14 days of absence from work, after which it would revert to the existing rate.

'Persons for whom Incapacity Benefit is the only or main form of income for their household may also qualify for Income Support for them and their family, depending on their means and circumstances.'

Incapacity claim forms can be downloaded from the Social Security webpages at gov.im, or paper copies can be obtained by emailing incapacitybenefits@gov.im.

Queries should be emailed to the above address, or the team can be contacted on 685656, 685108 or 685109. However callers are asked to note that the Social Security division are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and ask for patience at this time.

The quickest way to get your query answered is to email incapacitybenefits@gov.im.