Benefit Explanations, Disputes and Appeals.

Social Security, Isle of Man produce a leaflet, reference number GL24 (IOM) indicating what to do if you think their benefit decision is wrong. It covers:

• Asking for an explanation
• Disputing a decision about your benefit
• Appealing against a decision about your benefit

These can be found at your local Social Security Office. The information in this leaflet can be provided in large print or on audio tape on request. Alternatively view https://www.gov.im/categories/benefits-and-financial-support/managing-your-benefits-service/appeal-the-decision/

You can also ask Social Services to look at the decision on your claim again – this is called a ‘reconsideration‘. Normally, you have up to one month (plus an additional 14 days if you ask us for a written statement of reasons) from the date we told you about the decision to ask for a reconsideration. In most cases a different officer to the one who made the original decision will look at your claim again and if they decide the original decision was wrong they will change it and tell you about the new revised decision. If they decide the original decision can’t be changed they will tell you that and advise you of your right of appeal if you remain dissatisfied with the decision.

More information

For more information call the Tribunals Service on Tel: 685023.

Further information and forms are available on the Social Security Appeal page on the courts.im Tribunals webpage.

Advocates – Social Security Appeals Tribunal Representation

If you want to appeal a benefits decision to a Tribunal you may want to consider obtaining legal advice. You can do this in various ways:

1. You can talk to the Citizens Advice Bureau
2. You can look at the Isle of Man Law Society website www.iomlawsociety.co.im to find an advocate who has experience of the sort of law which relates to your application. You may get funding from the Legal Aid Green Form Scheme for the advice given by an Advocate before a Tribunal hearing. However, Legal Aid funding does not cover the cost of having an advocate represent you at this Tribunal. The Tribunals office can be contacted on Tel: 685265 for further information.
3. You may be represented by a friend or any other person at the Tribunal hearing. Your representative does not need to be an advocate. You might want to consider whether there is someone in your local community or charity who can help you to explain your case to the Tribunal.

Law Society Tel: 662910 or email enquiries to enquiries@iomlawsociety.co.im

Equality Act

Information about this legislation can be found at www.gov.im/about-the-government/equality/  .

Disability is one of the categories contained within it. C Section 3.25 of this document covers “reasonable adjustments” which relates to changes that can be made that are reasonable to make access to work or premises possible, such as placing a doorbell on a shop for those who cannot enter due to steps so that the staff are notified to come out and see how they can help.

Removing Barriers Edu is a consultancy, training company for educators, private and public sector, and those that work with young people. Removing Barriers Edu is helping support a more social model in a necessary systemic shift to an inclusive framework for young people, giving all a deep sense of belonging. It has an excellent reading reference list. Email: RemovingBarriers.edu@gmail.com . Presentations have been given at UCM by Ella Magee and this is available online by searching for Removing Barriers.edu isle of man.

Enduring Power of Attorney

What is an enduring power of attorney?

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document in which you (‘the donor’) appoint someone else (‘the attorney’) to look after your affairs in the event that you lose mental capacity. An ordinary power of attorney loses its validity when the donor loses the mental capacity to manage his or her own affairs. However, if an enduring power of attorney has been drawn up then it should be registered at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice in order that the attorney may continue to act on the donor’s behalf. 

Why do I need to make an enduring power of attorney?

It is difficult to think about a time when you won’t be able to make your own decisions, however setting up an EPA can give you peace of mind that someone you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf should the need arise. See www.courts.im.court-procedures/enduring-power-of-attorney or pick up a leaflet from Deemsters Walk, Bucks Road, Douglas, or ring Tel: 685236.