The National Insurance Scheme yesterday assured that it is catering for persons who are not internet and IT savvy and who cannot download and complete forms electronically.
The assurance comes in the wake of a letter to Stabroek News by a pensioner and several complaints raised by other NIS beneficiaries that for persons who are unfamiliar with the computer and internet it is difficult downloading benefit claims forms.
In the letter the pensioner said “we know that this is the internet age, but how many of the pensioners in the twilight of their life are computer literate to download these claims forms and then print them? Some may have to purchase a computer and a printer to complete this unnecessary process. Also some may have to take a course/lesson to learn to use a computer.”
In an interview with Stabroek News yesterday, Public Relations Officer Dianne Lewis- Baxter informed that the company was aware of the complaints and is currently making provisions so that at no time would there be shortages of forms. However she noted that contrary to what is perceived, all forms, especially for pensioners are available in hard copy at all their offices. She said “We know of the situation and efforts are being make to correct it…However at no time was downloading forms the sole option in obtaining one.”
She said that at one time there was a shortage of sickness benefit forms and persons were reminded that they could also obtain forms via the internet. She said many beneficiaries, especially those living far distances and overseas, found that it was easier to download a form online than travel long distances wasting much time just so they could collect a form.
Lewis-Baxter promised that the problem of having hard copy claims and benefits forms readily available will soon be resolved.
