In a bid to ensure the vulnerable groups can access their benefits with ease, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Tuesday launched an online application portal for pensioners and persons living with disabilities.
Through the portal, these individuals can fill out their application forms for their benefits at the comfort of their homes within three minutes.
Once on the site, there are options to apply for old age pension or permanent disability benefits.
Persons are required to enter their basic information such as name, address, date of birth and identification number.
Before the application is submitted, they would be prompted to upload a photograph of their ID card. Applications take within three to four weeks to process.
The portal includes a tracking mechanism so that individuals can check the status of their application and a communication interface to accommodate inquiries.
The initiative forms part of the ministry’s aim of digitising all of the services provided.
By embracing technology, the ministry aims to enhance the overall experience for beneficiaries, making essential services readily available and fostering a more responsive social security system.
The online application portal was launched at the Ramada Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
In her remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud said the digital platform is designed to streamline access to vital services, facilitate efficient communication and ensure a more inclusive support system.
She said it will not only ensure greater accessibility but also paves the way for faster and more efficient journey towards receiving their benefits.
“This ministry has pioneer our efforts in using ICT. The process is simple and the process allows two things, an online application process where we move from just printing a form out but now to actually processing online which cuts our delivery time by more than 50 percent.
“We are taking the entire process, in the direction where I think we need to do. Where we put the needs of our vulnerable persons first,” Dr Persaud said.
According to Dr Persaud, the portal will change the way in which services offered by the ministry are accessed.
“There will be more data collection exercises, more integration of data and more ease of accessing services as we continue on this trajectory that we are on.
“We are looking at the digital architecture of our information as it relates to every service within the ministry from gender based violence responsiveness, child care protection services,” she said.
The portal will be piloted in regions 1, 7 and 4 and then move to regions 2,3,5,6 and 10.
Special features will also be introduced to cater for persons who are visually impaired and deaf.
The portal can be accessed at https://oldagepensionform.mhsss.gov.gy. Dr Persaud said a massive countrywide campaign will be launched on how the portal can be utilised.
