Dr Allinson says stance on Winter Bonus Scheme unchanged
The treasury minister says the Isle of Man's stance on the Winter Bonus Scheme has not changed despite what's happening in the UK.
Last week the UK government said it would be cutting back on the Winter Fuel Allowance - however Alex Allinson confirmed to Manx Radio the Island's stance is 'slightly different' to that of the UK.
Through the Winter Bonus Scheme those in need will be automatically given £350 in January which will go towards heating and household bills.
Alex Allinson told Manx Radio it's something he is committed to delivering and there is 'significant support' for people who will be looking to winter with apprehension:
To qualify for a winter bonus in any year you must:
- - Be entitled to income support for any day in the week beginning with the first Monday in January
- - Be entitled to a pensioner premium, disability premium, incapacity premium or disabled child premium or an allowance for a child aged under 5 as part of your income support
- - Be liable to pay housing costs for where you live, or be treated as if you are liable to pay housing costs for where you live (see below)
- 'Housing costs' for this purpose means rent, mortgage interest payments, rates, property maintenance and buildings insurance.
- You may be treated as if you are liable to pay housing costs for where you live if you are:
- • severely disabled
- • a carer for a severely disabled person who lives with you
- • responsible for paying the heating bills for your home
- - Also, if you’re under state pension age you must have been entitled to a Christmas bonus from social security in the immediately preceding year.
- - If you live in a hotel, guest house, other lodgings or residential care you won’t qualify for the winter bonus.
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