Minister seeks change to benefits

Tue, 10 Jan 2012

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw MHK

Family Income Support and Disability Working Allowance could be replaced by a new benefit next week.

The Department of Social Care wants to scrap the two benefits.

They would be replaced with Employed Person's Allowance.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw says the changes would save time for both Tynwald and his Department.

FIS is given to around 900 families on the Island who are on relatively low incomes, with at least one member of the family working for a certain number of hours per week.

Disability Working Allowance is paid to those with physical or mental disability and is currently given to 16 people on the Island

Mr Robertshaw will ask Tynwald to make the changes at next week’s sitting.