The government has announced that financial assistance for those on the lowest incomes in the face of rising inflation will be provided this month.

It follows the launch last month by Treasury Minister David Ashford of two financial schemes in response to an announcement by Manx Gas that tariffs would rise by a further 58% from the beginning of April.

The Treasury has now finalised the timetable for the £300 Energy Support Payment, which is available to households responsible for housing costs and receiving income-related benefits. These payments will start to be paid to people receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance on 21 and 28 April, with payments to those receiving Income Support and Employed Person’s Allowance following shortly after.

Also, in line with the launch announcement, Family Support Payments are due to be paid in mid-May. This payment which will provide £300 to all families receiving full rate Child Benefit.

A reduced rate will be paid to those whose household income is assessed as being between £50,000 and £80,000. An additional £50 will be paid to all families receiving Child Benefit with at least two children, and £100 for families with at least three children.

Mr Ashford said: ‘I hope the information being released today will provide some reassurance to people regarding when they can expect to receive these payments, which I know will make a difference to those struggling to meet the rising cost of living, in particular food and fuel costs. Wherever possible, the payments have been added to existing payment schedules and will be paid alongside the usual benefit due to be paid to an individual that week. The exact timetable for Family Support Payments will be confirmed.’

The dates are as follows: Jobseeker’s Allowance on April 21 and 28, Income Support for incapacitated workers and carers on April 28 and May 5 with regular benefit payments, Income Support for pensioners on April 28 and May 12 along with regular benefit payments, Income Support for lone parents on May 5, and Employed Person’s Allowance on May 5.