Finland's digitalized financial assistance framework for individuals and their families

 

The development of information and communication technology has been rapid over the past 20 years. The internet and its virtual dimension are now available and readily accessible in our daily lives thanks to smartphones ,tablet and computers. Our behaviour, interpersonal relationships, and social participation have all changed and will continue to grow. Our daily lives now involve a virtual environment. It is an essential context for our social life, political and economic processes, learning and education, and decision-making. It is a valuable information resource and the Oracle we consult most frequently for help and guidance.

Financial assistance services, such as Kela, frequently use websites and online platforms for customer interactions in the context of digital media. This includes sending in applications, uploading files, and getting alerts via email. In order to ensure clear and effective communication, Kela may also use social media platforms to interact with the public to share information. The Finnish Social Insurance Institution, Kela, uses a range of digital techniques to communicate with its clients.

Online Portals:

 Families and individuals can apply for benefits, monitor the status of their applications, and manage their information through the safe online portals offered by Kela. Kela's e-service for individual clients is called OmaKela.

It's convenient to handle your Kela-related matters online because you may do it from anywhere at any time. Kela receives your application and any accompanying documentation immediately. You can also check OmaKela to determine whether your application is lacking any necessary information or supporting materials.

The OmaKela e-service can be utilized for:

·         apply for benefits

·         send supporting documents

·         look up decisions on your applications

·         check payment dates and benefit amounts

·         report changes

·         send and read messages. 

 

You will be received decisions via OmaKela and email. OmaKela displays a notification on the home screen whenever you receive a new ruling or letter. You may readily view all of your correspondence and judgements under "Päätökset ja muut asiakirjasi." For roughly two years, all of the documents that you receive will be accessible in OmaKela.

Read up on the benefits and their qualifying requirements first if you want to find out if you qualify for them. For various advantages, you might, for instance, look at the "Who can get" pages. To find out if you might be qualified, use an online calculator. 

Check out the pages on "How to apply" as well for the benefits that apply to you. For instance, you will discover details on the supporting documents that are required to be submitted with your application.

Submit your application online after that. You can speed up the processing of your application by properly filling it out and attaching the required supporting documentation.

An overview of all the matters you have remaining will appear on the OmaKela home page. "Oma asiointi" allows you to look up decisions and payment dates, as well as see if you have received any communications or requests for more information. Along with a time estimate, you will also be able to see if your application is being processed.

Support:

In order to help customers in real time by responding to their questions and offering advice, Kela may provide virtual assistants or online support.

Social Media Presence:

 Kela might interact with the public, respond to frequently asked questions, and publish information on social media sites. YouTube, for instance

 

These digital techniques improve accessibility, streamline procedures, and boost general effectiveness in Finland's financial support service delivery.

Furthermore, individuals, non-governmental and non-profit organisations, and associations providing social and welfare related services have recognised the opportunities that online tools can provide for people in difficult situations and now offer various forms of help and support on the internet, in contrast to the relatively slow development of information and communication technology seen in public social work. Online services and support are offered to clients by organisations like the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (www.mll.fi), the Finnish Association for Mental Health (www.mielenterveysseura.fi), and the student support centre Nyyti ry (www.nyyti.fi). Due to their lack of legal responsibilities, these organisations have been allowed to test with various strategies for providing services and communicating with current and potential clients. These organisations' operations are supported by Finland's Slot Machine Association (RAY) or private foundations. As a result, their financial structure allows for greater experimentation and introduction of new methods, such as the integration of information and communication technology into social work, than does publicly funded municipal social work.

attempt to explain the state of affairs in Finland at the moment and highlights the overlap between the digital platform and non. Those who depend on internet services because of things like being in rural areas, having trouble travelling concerning, suffering irregular work schedules, or having disabilities. The area outside of the digitalized platform for those who, for lack of equipment or ICT abilities, depend on offline services. When planning and developing social services, it is crucial to take into account the two categories of people who do not overlap since they are the ones who are most likely to become marginalised because of the unequal possibilities that they have to access the social services that they may require.

Reference

C_Granholm_DR_avhd_2016_PDF_version.pdf (fskompetenscentret.fi)

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