In today’s world, technology is always improving & getting more accessible than ever before. A side effect of this is that more & more services/activities that were once done physically are being moved online for convenience’s sake. One example of something that is moving online is a wide variety of Government Application/Appeal forms for Benefits & many other aspects that may affect someone’s life.
This is ideal for people who understand today’s technology/the digital world as much more can be accessed & done easily online. However, there are no doubt several people who will be left in the dark as more of these services move online. Whether they are of an older generation who never grew up with this sort of technology being a mainstay in daily life, or potentially people who lived in less fortunate circumstances growing up and possibly didn’t have the money to afford a computer, laptop, mobile phone etc,. So people in these communities may be stuck in a position where they need to fill in an online form relating to a government service, but have no idea where to begin or have a lack of confidence in doing it unaided.
CETMA, in partnership with WeAreGroup can offer support UK-wide with a wide variety of these forms through working on the HMCTS Courts Contract. Support sessions are FREE of charge for service users & can be carried out remotely (either via phone/video call) as well as in person in any of CETMA’s offices. And as mentioned previously, there are a wide variety of online forms covered by this service, including:
SSCS (Social Security & Child Support) Appeals
This form is for if someone disagrees with a decision made relating to their benefits (PIP, UC, ESA etc.) and wish to take the decision to an Independent Tribunal if they still disagree following Mandatory Reconsideration.
Help with Fees
Many of these forms require a payment to formally make/begin an application. By applying for Help with Fees, dependant on any savings, being on certain benefits or their income. A user may be able to have a portion of any payment taken off the total fee to lessen the financial burden of making a claim.
SJS (Single Justice Service)
This form is filled in when someone has been informed that they have been charged with some kind of offence, and they wish to make a formal plea for said offence. As well as arrange the most suitable payment plan if a fine is issued.
OCMC (Online Civil Money Claims)
This service is for making a claim for money to a court if you feel you are owed money by another person or business. This service also covers the form responding to a claim another person/organisation has made against you.
Divorce
This form should be filled in if a legally recognised marriage has broken down irrevocably. This kind of application can be made both by one person as a Sole Applicant or both parties combined as a Joint Application.
Probate
This form should be filled in after a person has passed away. This form grants the permission for any relevant parties/executors to deal with the deceased’s property, money & possessions.
PCOF (Post Court Options Form)
This form is a follow up to the SJS process. This would apply if a person disagreed with the decision made by a Magistrates’ Court and gives multiple options to follow up any disagreement. Including challenging/appealing the verdict, reviewing any fines or asking for the case to be re-opened.
Employment Tribunal
A service user would start a claim to an Employment Tribunal if they have any workplace disputes that they wish to be resolved. This covers any issues getting rights/pay as promised with their contract, any discrimination/harassment they have faced, or if they feel they were unfairly dismissed/felt need to quit due to any unfair treatment.
IAC (Immigration & Asylum Chamber)
A user can make an appeal to the Immigration & Asylum Chamber if they disagree with any decisions made by the Home Office. This could include if a person would be persecuted/harmed if they were to return to their home country, have a family/private life established in the UK or if their British Citizenship has been taken away.
GRC (Gender Recognition Certificate)
A person will need to apply for a Gender Recogntion Certificate if they wish to be legally recognised in their affirmed gender. This certificate will also allow someone to update any previously issued certificates to reflect their affirmed gender (e.g Birth Certificate/Marriage Certificate).
Deed Poll
A deed poll is a legal document that provides someone a legal name change. A user can also fill in this form on behalf of a minor who needs to have their name legally changed.
Private Family Law
This form covers any disputes between parents/carers or other family with matters relating to any children. This could include disputes relating to where a child lives, allocated time spent with others or decisions involving their education, travel etc,.
Jury Service
This form needs to be filled in by a user if they have received any jury summons in the post. On the form you provide contact details & make any necessary arrangements/request rearrangements to be able to attend court or if they need to be excused for any reason.
As well as the services mentioned above, new forms/services are frequently being added to the contract so as time progresses, there will be even more options for FREE support covered by the contract.
Speaking about the value of the service, CETMA’s Digital Inclusion Manager ‘Elian Williams’ said:
“CETMA have been working on the Courts Contract ever since the initial pilot period of the scheme. Over multiple years of operation, we have seen first-hand just how valuable this service is to so many people in Wales & throughout the entire United Kingdom. The people we support regularly express immense gratitude to our team & say how they’d have never been able to do the online forms expected of them unaided.”
“CETMA have worked in Digital Inclusion for even longer, so we understand the importance of this kind of service. And we thank WeAreGroup for continuing to be such good partners as we continue to work on the Courts Contract to support those in need throughout the UK”
Anyone interested in booking an appointment or learning more about what documents they need/information they need to know can contact CETMA through any of the following ways:
Email Address: llanelli/kidwelly/swansea@cetma.org.uk
Phone Number: 01554 556996 (selecting relevant options for each office)
Facebook: CETMA Llanelli, CETMA, CETMA Swansea