Isolation payment comes into effect

A new £300 payment for those unable to work while isolating comes into effect today (Monday).

The Manx Isolation Payment replaces short-term incapacity benefits and is payable once in any 26-week period.

To qualify, a person must have completed a full four days in isolation and have been earning at least £120 a week.

Alternatively they must be self-employed and paying class 2 National Insurance contributions.

Those who receive full or more than half their normal rate of pay, including government employees, will not be able to apply.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK said the lump sum payment is designed to get more help to more people.

He added: "It has become apparent that Incapacity Benefit was not reaching some groups, particularly younger workers.

"We are therefore tweaking our approach to address this need while using qualification criteria similar to that used in the past for MERA payments".

More information about the payment can be found on the government website.