31 March 2010 – Online application for State Pensions by summer
The Government today announced a new service, which will increase accessibility to the State Pension for those approaching retirement by making the application process available online, from the summer.
State Pension Online (SPOL) is an online service, currently being tested with customers who are about to retire, that will allow individuals to enter their details via a secure website rather than having to make their claim over the phone. A similar online service for Jobseekers Allowance is already operating successfully.
Minister of State for Pensions and the Ageing Society, Angela Eagle said;
"Modernising services to increase efficient delivery and accessibility for our customers is important. Enabling customers to apply for their State Pension online will make it easier for them to access their pensions, whilst increasing efficiency and saving the taxpayers’ money."
SPOL is expected to go live to the public this summer and is the latest in a line of initiatives from the DWP to provide better services for customers. Between 0.5 million and 0.75 million citizens retire each year and will benefit from the service when it launches.
Utilising the internet more efficiently is only part of the Department’s approach to service modernisation. We are also piloting the use of text messaging to remind customers about their appointments with us, allowing us to avoid more of the cost of missed appointments. Applications for the iPhone and other smart phones are also being developed to aid identification of suitable job vacancies based on a customer’s profile.
From 1st April jobseekers can log onto Directgov, to access thousands of job vacancies. Directgov is the Government’s single point of access to public sector services, and from tomorrow it will host all the information previously found on the Jobcentre Plus website.
People can log on to www.direct.gov.uk to find job-related information, practical help and support such as searching online for a job, calculate what benefits they may be entitled to, and how to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance. The website also includes a ‘job kit’ which explains how to prepare for an interview or how to identify strengths and skills.
The DWP is committed to making £550m worth of efficiency savings through a range of measures including more effective use of IT and making more services available online.
Notes to Editors:
- The service will be launched this summer on the DirectGov website at www.direct.gov.uk. It is currently being tested by customers before going live to the public.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance can be claimed online 24/7 through the DirectGov website at: www.direct.gov.uk/jsaonline
- The Jobcentre Plus website will close on 31.03.10 and all services are already available on Directgov. Messages to make customers aware of the closure already appear on the Jobcentre Plus website.
- Customers should use the following addresses:
- Help for jobseekers: www.direct.gov.uk/jobsearch jobseekers
- Information on benefits: www.direct.gov.uk/ benefits
- Businesses wanting to advertise vacancies should go to www.businesslink.co.uk/jobcentreplus
Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5136
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
