Can't access government services without smartphone - how are elderly/low-income people supposed to manage?

Went through 9 circles of bureaucratic hell with this exact problem. Trick that finally worked: demand to speak with ADA compliance officer specifically (not customer service). Suddenly options magically appear that "weren't possible" before

this country treats technology like universal right while ignoring 40+ million americans without home internet. pure classism masked as "efficiency" and nobody talking about it

Grandma's nursing home bought single communal tablet shared by 86 residents. Staff completely overwhelmed helping everyone access accounts. Nightmare situation. Three residents missed medication changes because notices sent through "convenient online portal"

Recorded medicare phone rep telling mom "well everybody has smartphones these days" then laughing. Sent recording to state representative. Received personal call next day and issue mysteriously resolved. Public embarrassment only language they understand

ridiculous that i need $1000 device requiring monthly subscription just to access services my taxes already paid for. Imagine requiring cable tv subscription to receive mail from post office

Got locked out of unemployment system during covid because couldn't afford data plan. Local library tried helping but their ip address flagged for "suspicious login attempts" from too many people using same computers

These systems directly violate the digital accessibility gap act requirements that mandate alternative access methods for digitally disadvantaged groups. Document all communication and file formal complaint through civil rights office

"just buy a smartphone" crowd missing reality completely. Rural areas where i live still have zero cell coverage. Physically impossible to use authentication apps requiring signal. Sat in car driving 40 minutes to hit coverage zone just to authenticate disability payment

Three government offices within walking distance of my apartment sit completely empty with "please use online services" signs taped to doors. Meanwhile eight elderly neighbors in my building haven't received benefits in months because they can't navigate websites

Downloaded authentication app for my dad onto MY phone. Now i get his verification codes. Technically violates terms of service but what choice do we have when system fails most vulnerable?

Oh fantastic! Not only do seniors need NASA-level tech skills to access their own benefits, but now they're accidentally sharing their private info when they forget to log out of library computers! Just watched 80-year-old Margaret unknowingly show her medical history to half the computer lab. But hey, at least the government saved $12 by closing that office staffed with actual humans who could've helped! digital future is CLEARLY working out GREAT for everyone! 👏👏👏

They're deliberately making accessing benefits difficult. Every obstacle reduces number of people claiming benefits, saving government money. Digital barrier just latest tactic in long history of benefit suppression techniques

Mom's retirement community organized weekly "digital navigation" sessions. Volunteers help residents access government portals. Sad necessity but effective community solution when government fails. Maybe start something similar?