Across the United States, millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities face daily challenges that go far beyond health concerns. Living on fixed incomes, many are forced to make impossible choices—between paying for medication, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table. While a range of assistance programs exist to help, the complexity and inaccessibility of traditional application processes often prevent those most in need from receiving timely support. State governments now have a unique opportunity to transform this experience through digital-first, guided application solutions that put people—not paperwork—at the center.
Meet Margaret, an 82-year-old woman living alone. Fiercely independent, she manages a host of medical needs and dietary requirements, but her fixed income means every dollar counts. For years, Margaret struggled to navigate the maze of forms and eligibility requirements for assistance programs. The paperwork was overwhelming, and the fear of making a mistake kept her from applying for benefits that could ease her financial burden.
One day, a friend tells Margaret about a new online program designed specifically for seniors. The experience is different from anything she’s tried before: the website is clear, accessible, and guides her step-by-step through a single, intuitive application. Icons are labeled in plain language, headings are easy to follow, and the process adapts to her needs—screening her for multiple programs at once, from prescription savings to utility support. For the first time, Margaret feels empowered, not intimidated, by technology. When her application reaches the state office, it’s immediately clear she qualifies for several forms of assistance. What once seemed insurmountable is now simple, dignified, and effective.
Margaret’s story is emblematic of a broader shift in how state governments can serve their most vulnerable residents. By implementing guided online application processes, agencies can:
States that have embraced digital transformation in public services are already seeing profound results. For example, cloud-based platforms have enabled agencies to consolidate application information securely, automate eligibility checks, and route requests to the right partners—all while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. In one state, a digital solution allowed more than 40,000 residents to apply for assistance in a single application period, with processing running seven days a week and new jobs created to meet demand. In another, a unified emergency response platform ensured that 67,000 patients across thousands of facilities could be tracked and supported during natural disasters, with every incident managed digitally and transparently.
These successes are not just about technology—they are about restoring trust, dignity, and hope for those who need it most. By removing barriers to access and making services more responsive, state governments can ensure that no senior or person with a disability is left behind.
The digital revolution in public services is here, and its benefits are clear:
At Publicis Sapient, we believe that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Our experience in digital accessibility, user-centered design, and public sector transformation positions us as a trusted partner for states ready to modernize their approach to senior assistance. Together, we can create a future where every Margaret has the support she needs—quickly, easily, and with dignity.
Ready to reimagine access to assistance for your state’s seniors? Let’s connect and shape a digital future that works for everyone.