Government legislation ministry says administrative agents can file welfare applications

The government legislation ministry said that certified administrative agents are authorized to file welfare benefit applications on behalf of recipients under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act.

The ministry concluded that applying for livelihood benefits constitutes a formal request to a public institution, aligning with duties outlined in the Administrative Agents Act. Since the welfare law does not explicitly restrict these filings to specific professionals like lawyers, general administrative agents retain the right to assist applicants.

The ruling addresses concerns that individuals might be excluded from the safety net if they cannot visit government offices in person. It relies on the principle that the welfare act aims to guarantee a minimum standard of living and promote self-reliance for low-income citizens.

Administrative agents typically assist clients who find official documentation complex or difficult to prepare. The ministry noted that the forms required for benefit applications involve standard personal and financial data that do not demand specialized legal expertise beyond the training these agents already possess.

The interpretation confirms that while the Basic Livelihood Security Act allows recipients, their relatives, or other related parties to apply, it does not prohibit delegation to an agent. The ministry stated that restricting agents would contradict the system's purpose of helping those who struggle to navigate administrative procedures alone.

To process these applications, agents must submit documents including family registry records and consent forms for financial information verification to the relevant mayor or district head. The ministry determined that verifying income, assets, and health status through these standard documents falls within the scope of basic administrative tasks agents are trained to handle.