SENIORS are being encouraged to embrace the internet and hop online by the Department of Human Services.
Speaking as part of Tasmanian Seniors Week, department general manager Hank Jongen said online channels are a useful tool for accessing the department's services.
"This year we launched our new online claim form with an improved design to make it easier for age pension applicants to submit claims," said Mr Jongen.
"If a person is already receiving a Centrelink payment, their financial information will be pre-populated into the online claim. This means a person can simply confirm or update this information as needed, rather than starting from scratch."
Mr Jongen said claims can be done entirely online, and people can submit their supporting documents digitally.
"People can even check the progress of their claim through the new online claim tracker or through the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app," he said.
"There are online tutorials and help functions available at every stage of the online age pension claiming process. Staff are also available to support anyone needing help over the phone or at a service centre."
Thirty per cent of age pension recipients are already using self-service options, according to Mr Jongen.
"With many pensioners using the Internet for services such as shopping and banking, it's not surprising people also wish to access Centrelink and Medicare online, for convenience," he said.
