23 August 2016
This week, Social Security has launched a new digital form to make the lives of its customers easier. The new online application form will allow Islanders, reaching pension age, to apply for their pensions quickly and easily.
Customers who are eligible for a pension will automatically receive details of how to apply online, about four months before their 65th birthday.
The forms official launch follows a successful three month trial gaining feedback from customers. Operations Director Sophie Le Sueur is pleased with the progress being made. She said: “We’ve had a great response with many of the customers contacted during the trial period opting to use the new online service.
“Having online pension applications means we can offer improved service to our customers, by providing a user friendly form that they can complete where and when they want. It can fit in with our customers busy lives whilst, at the same time, helping us to improve our processes and save money through reduced paperwork, postage and administration.”
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Susie Pinel, said: “I’m delighted that we are receiving really positive feedback from customers who are using the new online pension form. This is another significant step towards further modernising the service we provide our customers.”
Plus, any customers who need help completing this new pension form can take advantage of the new ‘Assisted Digital’ initiative which launched in the reception area of Social Security last week. Two recently installed computer stations, and a digital service advisor will be available to help customers who don’t have access to a computer, or don’t have the skills or confidence to use online services.
The new pension form and Assisted Digital initiative are part of the States-wide eGov programme, and are designed to make communication with the States of Jersey quicker and simpler. Other recent improvements to online services in Social Security include:
Paying for Social Security contributions online
Notifying Social Security about employment changes (for income support customers)
Applying for Back to Work training programmes
Letting us know when you're leaving Jersey
Letting us know when a business has ceased trading