Improving Accessibility to Basic Social Assistance for the Elderly: A User-Friendly Approach with Automation

For the elderly, who may not possess sufficient digital literacy, applying for basic social assistance can be a challenging process. In this blog, we explore how we can make obtaining basic social assistance easier for this demographic through user-friendly solutions, incorporating automation for a more seamless experience, while also addressing equality and fairness aspects in Kela's calculation models.

If the incomes are the same every month, calculations can effectively be extended for several months, thus reducing the need for continuous application processes.

Understanding the Challenges

The current application process for basic social assistance may be overly complex for the elderly, who are not accustomed to digital services. This complexity may deter them from seeking the financial support they may need.

Proposed Solutions

1. Simplified Application Form

Develop a more user-friendly application form that utilizes clear and understandable language. Reduce technical terminology and provide clear instructions for completing each section.

2. Personal Assistance Services

Provide personal assistance, either over the phone or in person, for those who need help filling out the application. This helps them understand the process steps.

3. Allowing Paper Applications

Allow the use of traditional paper applications for those who are not comfortable or familiar with electronic systems, ensuring an equal opportunity for all.

4. Regional Support Centers

Establish regional support centers where the elderly can receive personal assistance and guidance throughout the application process, promoting accessibility and fairness.

5. Information by Mail

Send clear information and instructions by mail so that those without access can receive the necessary details, ensuring that communication channels are inclusive.

Benefits of Automation for the Elderly

1. Automating Recurring Applications

Utilize automation for filling out recurring applications, eliminating the need for the elderly to repeatedly input the same information and promoting consistency in the decision-making process.

2. Notifications and Updates

Automate notifications and updates to ensure that the elderly receive information about decisions and changes without requiring additional actions, fostering transparency and equal access to information.

Detailed Information about Automation

1. User Profiles and Pre-Filled Information

Implement user profiles where the elderly can provide their information initially. Subsequent applications can then be pre-filled with this stored data, reducing the need for repetitive data entry and ensuring accuracy.

2. Automated Reminders and Follow-ups

Set up automated reminders for upcoming required actions. Additionally, automate follow-ups to ensure that any missing information is promptly addressed, maintaining fairness in the application process.

3. Dynamic Forms and Conditional Logic

Introduce dynamic forms with conditional logic that adapts based on the user's input. This ensures that the elderly only provide information relevant to their specific situation, streamlining the application process while considering individual circumstances.

4. Digital Document Management

Implement a digital document management system that allows the elderly to upload and store necessary documents securely. Automation can assist in verifying and categorizing these documents for quicker processing, contributing to an efficient and fair decision-making process.

5. Integration with Government Databases

Explore integration with relevant government databases to automatically fetch certain information, minimizing the manual input required from the elderly and ensuring uniformity in data retrieval.

By combining user-friendly solutions with automation and addressing equality aspects, we can create an accessible and fair system for the elderly to benefit from basic social assistance without the burden of continuous administrative tasks. This approach not only simplifies the application process but also enhances the overall experience for this vulnerable demographic, fostering inclusivity and equality.