Number claiming benefits using MiCard drops to 34

The number of people still relying on a card system to claim pension and benefit payments in cash at post offices on the Isle of Man has dropped to 34, the treasury minister has said.

Cards issued under the previous MiCard system expired on 31 December as part of the Manx government's plan to switch the system off.

Concerns were raised in Tynwald in November that up to 800 people were still using system to pick up payments, leading to a government U-turn.

Minister Chris Thomas said a campaign to encourage a transition to direct bank payments meant 34 people were now using the renewed cards, with 194 who "failed to engage" being sent cheques.

Introduced in 2016, the MiCard system allowed benefit claimants to access their payments in cash at post office counters.

The decision to discontinue the service marked part of a drive to digitise services across the government.

The social security division held drop-in sessions with representatives of banks operating on the island to help people move away from the system.

Thomas said the 629 remaining users of MiCard were sent letters on 24 November, with the majority moving to direct payments.

That followed a U-turn by the government which saw the chief minister pledge to issue new cards to those unable to access banking facilities, which is set to cost £500,000.

Payments are also being sent to 194 people in the form of a government cheque, which can be cashed at a post office or bank, Thomas said.

He told the House of Keys, the social security division was satisfied that 34 people issued with a letter enabling them to enrol for a new MiCard did not have a bank account or would not be able to use one.

"Treasury is continuing to explore longer-term alternative payment solutions for those who don't have bank accounts and cannot reasonably be expected to open or use one and has engaged with potential providers," he added.

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