Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK has today announced the reintroduction of personal capability assessments for Isle of Man residents who receive incapacity benefits.
The move aims to build on the success of a recent pilot scheme and ensure that Government’s limited resources are targeted as effectively as possible.
People deemed capable of carrying out some form of work after an assessment will be encouraged to seek employment, with support and training in place to help them through the transition into the workplace.
It is hoped that in addition to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community, the initiative will also improve people’s future prospects, health and wellbeing.
The personal capability assessments (PCAs) will be conducted by UK-based provider Dependability Ltd, which has been appointed by the Treasury on a three-year contract after a formal procurement process.
According to Treasury’s Social Security Division, approximately 2,000 people in the Isle of Man have been claiming incapacity-related benefits for more than a year.
Starting later this year, claimants will be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional from Dependability Ltd. Those deemed capable of performing some form of work will no longer receive incapacity benefit, although they may be eligible to claim jobseeker’s allowance while they look for employment.
Treasury will also work closely with the Department of Economic Development’s Employment Services to assist people with any training requirements.
Minister Teare said:
‘Leaving a person on long-term incapacity benefits without assessing whether they might be capable of doing some form of work would be wholly irresponsible of this Government. Not engaging with people in this way would have an adverse impact on the person claiming benefit, their family and the economy as a whole.'
He added:
‘We have a duty to ensure people are receiving the support that is right for their circumstances and that Government’s resources are focused in the most appropriate manner, particularly in these times of increasing financial constraint. If people are capable of some form of work, even if it is not in the same role they previously occupied, we will encourage them into the workplace. This is not just about making cost savings, it is a genuine attempt to help people escape the benefits trap and realise their full potential.’
Over the next three years, the majority of the Island’s 2,000 long-term claimants will be required to have a face-to-face assessment.
It is expected that a personal capability assessment will be arranged when a person has been receiving an incapacity-related benefit for at least 28 weeks, but could take place sooner under certain circumstances.
The most recent use of PCAs in the Isle of Man involved a six-month pilot scheme undertaken by the Department of Social Care in 2012-2013.
Of the 202 claimants who were required to have a PCA during the pilot –
- One-third stopped claiming incapacity benefits before an assessment was undertaken. Most returned to work or transferred to jobseeker’s allowance
- One-third were found to be incapable of work, or were exempt because of their particular illness or disability, and continued to receive incapacity benefits
- One-third were found to be capable of some form of work following an assessment or were deemed capable of work because they did not fully participate in the process. Payment of incapacity benefits was stopped in these cases
Bill Henderson MHK, Member of Treasury with responsibility for Social Security, said:
‘The reintroduction of personal capability assessments fully aligns with Government’s national priorities of rebalancing the budget, growing the economy and protecting the vulnerable. The Social Security Division expects to pay out around £18 million on long-term incapacity benefits in the current financial year. We must target our resources to help those most in need and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the benefits system.’
Dr Parameswaran Kishore, Director of Public Health, added:
'There is a body of research which suggests that people are better off in work than out of work, not only financially but in terms of their health and wellbeing, their self-esteem and the future prospects for themselves and their families. Scientific evidence demonstrates that when their health condition permits, returning sick and disabled people to work helps to promote recovery and rehabilitation. It also leads to better health outcomes, minimises the harmful physical, mental and social effects of long-term sickness absence, reduces the risk of long-term incapacity, permits full participation in society and improves quality of life.’
