Help in France for people lacking computer skills?

There are several options. One is to use a private IT firm offering help at your home, likely to be described with phrases like assistance informatique à domicile.

Computer shops may also offer this.

If a firm is officially accredited for services à la personne, such help is eligible for a 50% tax credit on your French income tax declaration if you keep the bill.

Several services offering English-speaking assistance with formalities advertise in the Directory section of The Connexion.

Otherwise, there is a network of local bodies which help with administrative tasks, called maisons de services au public. To find one near you visit maisondeservicesaupublic.fr.

They can help with issues such as benefits applications, pensions, and healthcare claims, including liaising with bodies such as retirement funds and utility firms.

Some towns also have computer centres called espaces publics numériques which help with online services and give basic training.

In the case of tax declarations, many tax offices have computers you can use and some have staff on hand to help. It is also possible to book an appointment with an adviser for personalised help.

Prefectures and sous-préfectures may have computers and staff to help in areas called un point d’accueil numérique.

Send your queries about life in France by email to:news@connexionfrance.com