Isle of Man benefit changes proposed

Changes to the benefit system in the Isle of Man will be proposed in the January sitting of Tynwald.

The social care department is looking for political approval to create a new income related benefit.

The Employed Person's Allowance would replace two separate existing allowances - Family Income Supplement and Disability Working Allowance.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw said the move was designed to simplify the system for people on low wages.

He added: "The new benefit will reduce the amount of legislation required compared to the two benefits it replaces, saving time for both the Department and Tynwald.

"The rates of allowance will not change, so recipients will continue to receive the same levels of support."

Family Income Support is currently given to about 900 Manx families and is for those on a relatively low income, where at least one adult member of the family works for a minimum number of hours each week.

Disability Working Allowance, currently paid to 16 people on the island, is available to people who work for at least 16 hours a week who have a physical or mental disability.

If approved the changes will come into effect from 31 January 2012.