Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson has outlined the steps being taken to support vulnerable benefit claimants ahead of the discontinuation of the MiCard system on New Year’s Eve.
In Tynwald, Dr Allinson confirmed that Social Security officers have been contacting the remaining 629 MiCard users, but noted some challenges.
“I think there are a small number of people about around about 200 where we have not been able to contact them so far, often because they haven’t been able to answer the phone, although a few, unfortunately, have hung up when advised it was Social Security calling,” he said.
“The large majority of the customers Social Security has been able to speak to do have bank accounts,” he said, with payments to be switched directly to their accounts.
Exemption
For those without accounts or who cannot use them, a “payment exemption service” will be provided.
“A very small number of customers have so far been identified as needing a payment exemption service,” the minister said, estimating that fewer than 100 people will require a replacement MiCard.
For individuals who do not engage, weekly cheques will be issued from January.
Dr Allinson acknowledged concerns about the most isolated claimants. “We have been arranging home visits to literally knock on people’s doors,” he said.
Responding to concerns about choice, the minister defended the policy.
“I don’t think we’re intruding on people’s human rights. What we’re trying to do is understand their own particular circumstances.”
He added that the fixed costs of the MiCard system are “quite considerable” and that replacement cards are only a temporary solution.