My introduction to e-government services
One of the huge potential benefits of widespread Internet connectivity and digital literacy is the development of online government services at both national and local level. Although I have been using the Net for 18 years now, it was not until very recently that I have entered the world of e-government services.
I imagine that, if you know me, you’ll be surprised (!) to learn that next month I was be 65 and therefore eligible for a state pension. So I have just registered on the Government Gateway and applied for my pension.
It took longer than I expected because a lot of information is required – both to establish identity and eligibility – and my position is a bit complicated (I am still a portfolio worker). The whole process took a degree of confidence that I’m not sure all people in their mid 60s have and some would require support and encouragement.