New B.C. app allows video ID to access StudentAid, other online government services
Posted July 7, 2020 3:38 pm.
Last Updated July 7, 2020 3:42 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — A new app launched by the province Tuesday allows British Columbians to verify their identities through video to access online government services, including StudentAid.
The pandemic resulted in high call volumes and increased demand for other ways to verify a person’s identity and activate a mobile BC Services Card, says a release from the province.
The new service eliminates the need to visit a Service BC Centre for in-person identity verification.
“We’re using innovation, technology and mobile options to improve the way we deliver services and programs to British Columbians,” said Anne Kang, minister of Citizens’ Services. “Our new Send Video feature within the mobile BC Services Card gives people the choices and tools they need to connect with government supports and services quickly, safely and securely.”
People can use Send Video within the BC Services Card app from any device to send Service BC a photo and a short video of themselves at any time.
A Service BC representative will then review and verify the person’s identity and activate their mobile BC Services Card for online use within a few hours.
Seventeen government services are available online, with plans underway for more.
A new virtual BC Services Card feature will make it easier, faster and more secure for British Columbians to access online government services. https://t.co/bdSnUkQtsc
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) July 7, 2020
British Columbians, including health professionals, businesses, government employees and students can use their BC Services Card to access these services.
StudentAid BC is one of the more popular services, says the province.
As students begin to apply for StudentAid for the fall semester, they will be able to use the new service to begin and track their applications.
“With all the stress that COVID-19 has put on students, this new video service helping them verify their identity online makes it especially quick, easy and secure for them to apply for StudentAid BC,” says Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission.
“It’s a service that couldn’t have come fast enough, especially as students prepare to continue their education in the fall during these challenging times.”
The BC Services Card Verify by Video service launched in June 2019 and allows people to use the service to launch a live video call with a Service BC representative.
The “Send Video” option adds another identity verification method to the service.
The BC Services Card mobile app was launched in 2018. To date, more than 125,000 mobile BC Services Cards have been activated for online access to government services.
