Digitalization hurdle

Seniors’ Association boss: “Our protest was successful”

Ingrid Korosec in action against digital discrimination. Many older people have problems keeping up with the rapid pace of development.

Digitalization is progressing rapidly. Too quickly for many older people. Certain actions can no longer be carried out in analog form. This was the case, for example, with a bonus from the Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS) as part of the "Smile Together" campaign.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a financial incentive for anyone who takes preventative measures to look after their dental health. Anyone who claims a dental service in 2024 will receive a one-off, tax-free payment of 100 euros.

Registration was only possible digitally
However, there was a hurdle at the beginning: You could only register for the health campaign digitally. To the disadvantage of people who were not technically equipped for this or did not have the relevant digital skills. So mainly senior citizens.

The President of the Austrian Seniors' Association, Ingrid Korosec, campaigned for this to change. With success. "Our protest against digital discrimination was successful. I have succeeded in making it possible to register for the bonus in analog form." This has been possible since September 9. Anyone who still wants to take advantage of it should hurry. The offer ends at the end of the year.