Young people applying for the ‘digital wallet’ complain about tedious identity verification procedures and the web’s technical glitches
A month after the opening of the call to access the cultural bonus, the 400 euro ‘digital wallet’ that Culture awards to those who turn 18 in 2022, young people still face a technological and bureaucratic barrier to obtain it . The installation of special software, having to perform the whole process on the same computer, having a mobile phone with an NFC card reader and waiting for the application to not be deleted after it is created are some of the inconveniences faced by applicants. reported .
While registration on the bond website is ostensibly friendly and intuitive, the difficulty arises in selecting a digital identification method and subsequent signature. The options are the digital certificate, the electronic DNI for those who are already 18, or the Cl@ve, Pin or Permanent system, for those who are still minors at the time of application.
To obtain the electronic certificate of the National Coin and Stamp Factory (FNMT), the first obstacle is the installation of the necessary software to generate keys: the configurator, the new version of Autofirm@ and a Java update. María Durán, in charge of the administration section of the Entre Trámites website, explains that the problems are due to ignorance. The whole process has to be done from the beginning on the same device and with specific versions of the browser. In the case of the operating system, it is recommended to use Windows. As soon as you have the application code, you must personally request an appointment at an Identity Accreditation Office. “This is another sticking point because there is little availability,” he admits.
Mateo Romero, an 18-year-old job applicant, says he manages himself very well on digital platforms and with technology teams, but acknowledges that the process has exceeded his capabilities and he has had to seek outside help. The Cibervoluntarios Foundation, which has created tutorials to guide young people through complex procedures, has exponentially increased the focus on children and parents. According to the project manager, Ángel Sola, the security controls of the websites and programs are not like those of the applications they are used to. “Training in the tools and concepts of public management is needed,” he says.
The preferred option to apply for the cultural bonus is to register with Cl@ve, the system that allows you to create a unique password for administrative procedures. The most requested alternative is verification by video call. But given the high demand for the service, it takes time to grab an operator’s attention. “Due to the high workload, we cannot serve you within a reasonable period of time. Please try again at another time,” the service insists.
Álvaro García, 17, recommends online authentication. “It took me almost a week to get it. I tried it at different times until the day was exhausted and I had to go back the next day. Finally I registered in Cl@ve Pin and you can sign when you log in,” he says.
Other young people have not found it so easy. Pilar Conde, 17, had to personally go to an office to get the Permanent Cl@ve and thus be able to apply for the voucher. “It’s faster to get a job and earn 400 euros than to access the bonus,” says Mateo Romero ironically about the cumbersome application process and the long wait to receive it.
Once the documents have been uploaded, the problems persist. Either because of errors on the web or because the request that has already been sent is deleted, according to the young people. Culture ensures that multiple help channels are engaged to offer technical solutions. But those who have tried it report that it is difficult to get them to answer the phone or the mail.
If you opt for authentication by sending an invitation letter, which contains the required Secure Verification Code (CSV), the answer must be reached within seven working days at the tax residence registered in the census. However, according to María Durán, this is another inconvenience, as the address of the house to which it should be sent is often unknown. “Sometimes the letter never arrives because the database is outdated and the application process is restarted,” he says.
Culture explains that, as with any grant of government aid, the administration must process it “after identifying the applicant and with the relevant checks”. He estimates it will be in September “when aid starts to become effective”.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
