Online social security messaging platform launched

The government said the new system will help to reduce costs

A new two-way messaging system that will allow those claiming benefits and pensions to communicate with the social security division securely has been launched.

Claimants will be able to send and receive messages, and provide information such as identity documents and sick notes, via the new platform on the Manx government website.

Treasury member with responsibility for social security Michelle Haywood MHK said the move was the "next step in the expansion of online services" on the island.

But she said the usual routes of postal and counter services would still exist for those who did not have access to the technology needed.

Dr Haywood said the portal would "make it easier to send information through to the benefits team as well as being more efficient and environmentally friendly" by reducing the need for printing and cut down document handling times.

"There's lots of paper drifting around in benefit claims, but we're trying to reduce that and streamline the service as much as possible", she said.

Modernisation

To access the system, customers have to register with Isle of Man Government online services and set up a social security account.

Dr Haywood said the service, which includes an identity check, involving an individual's National Insurance number, had been designed with security in mind.

"We already have tax services online and we keep those secure, this is an extension of our ability to do things in a digital way", she said.

The update follows online incapacity benefit applications which were launched last year, and is part of a "longer term project to modernise the delivery of social security services" to include applications for income support, employed person’s allowance and jobseeker’s allowance, the government said.