In a significant move towards enhancing the efficiency of social benefit applications, the Czech government has introduced a streamlined process. Individuals seeking assistance, such as housing support or child allowances, will now experience a smoother application process as information related to earnings or energy payments will be directly transmitted to officials by employers, with the individual’s consent.

Kateřina Beránková, a representative from the employment office, explained the simplicity of the process, stating, “The applicant can provide income verification themselves, as before. However, they can now also consent to the employment office obtaining the income directly from their employer.”

In the alternative scenario, applicants need to furnish their employer’s identification number or, in certain cases, the identification numbers of other household members’ employers. Beránková further elaborated, “Subsequently, we will ask the employers to confirm the incomes.”

Although this opportunity has been available since the summer, the mechanism for companies to provide the necessary data to officials was unclear until now. To address this, two announcements are being prepared for this purpose.

The employment office will initiate the process by sending a request for information to employers in a PDF file through a data box. Employers can respond by completing a form on the Ministry of Labor portal, forwarding it to the designated data box, or providing the information through a direct call.

A similar obligation is anticipated for energy suppliers starting next year. These suppliers will transmit details about payments for electricity and gas, along with any underpayments or overpayments, via a data box. The Ministry highlighted that this initiative will have a positive impact on families, contributing to the reduction of their administrative burden associated with the application process for social benefits.

Article by Prague Forum