Advice offered on move to direct benefit payments

Tynwald voted to extend the MiCard system for those who cannot access a bank account

An advice session to help people move from collecting their pensions and benefits in cash to direct bank payments has been arranged following strong political criticism of a lack of support.

About 800 people still collect payments at post offices using the government's MiCard system, which was due to be switched off on 31 December but has now been extended by a year.

The social security division has now arranged a drop-in session for remaining users, offering support and advice about gaining access to a bank account.

The session - which will be attended by representatives of four banks operating on the island - takes place at Markwell House in Douglas between 09:30 and 12:30 GMT on Wednesday.

The government's U-turn followed concerns raised in the island's parliament about a lack of alternative provisions for those currently without bank accounts.

People who already have an account but have not moved fully to direct payments have been advised to contact the division by 1 December to be transitioned over before the current cards expire at the end of 2025.

In Tynwald on Thursday, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan confirmed new MiCards, valid during 2026, would be issued to claimants who were not able to gain access to a bank account.