The National Insurance Board (NIB) is apologizing to its customers for a number of issues which have led to delays in the processing of benefits due to customers.

NIB explained in a statement that it has been engaged in the process of transitioning to a new IT platform for the past several years – a process which is being managed in phases.

Phase 1 the company explained involved the new smart card and that process was completed over a year ago.

However, Phase 2, which has been deemed the most complex of the phases, was scheduled for the first week in April but has met several setbacks.

“As is common in projects of this magnitude, transition issues have been encountered with the final roll-out of Phase 2 resulting in regrettable inconvenience to a number of our valued customers,” the statement said. “The issues encountered encompass both technical matters and organizational culture adjustments.

“We note that the greatest impact has been felt by our customers in two areas in particular. Firstly, in relation to disablement benefit claims; and secondly, in relation to short-term benefit claims (maternity, sickness, injury and unemployment) with some 30 per cent of these having been affected.

“We would like to unreservedly apologise to those customers affected.

“The public can be assured that we are working hard to resolve these issues along with our technology partner. We anticipate that our services will be fully back on stream by mid-June,” NIB said.