The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that the 2017 Online Single Application Form (SAF) window is now open.
DAERA will no longer automatically issue paper SAFs. The deadline for receipt of all Single Applications and supporting evidence is 15 May 2017. Completing your SAF online is one of the most important jobs you will do this year and the key message is to submit your application online as early as possible - don’t take any chances and leave it too late.
Register for DAERA’s online service
All 2017 field information will be available when you log on to the Single Application and Maps Service via DAERA Online Services.
Further benefits of online application include:
- Enables DAERA to make advance part payments
- You can view your map within your online SAF
- You can make changes to your map which automatically update your field data tables
- You can make changes to your application up to 15 May
- Error alerts
- Greater accuracy, reducing the possibility of penalties
- Convenience – quick and easy to use.
- Safe and secure
- Notification that application has been received
In addition to your Single Application, you may be required to submit additional forms or evidence as part of the application process. In some cases you may need to attend a DAERA Direct Office to provide supporting evidence within the appropriate deadlines. If supporting evidence is not received within the application deadlines, your application (or the part to which the supporting evidence relates) may be rejected.
DAERA has put in place support measures to assist those who may experience difficulties in submitting their application. This is in addition to Libraries NI agreeing to facilitate rural applicants with broadband access through any of their 98 libraries across Northern Ireland.
To help you with your online application we will have a telephone and online support service available, the SAF Advisory Service, which can be contacted on 0300 200 7848 or via email. An advisor will help you get registered, go online and make an application, or answer any questions you may have about the specific schemes as part of your SAF application.
If you have difficulties with broadband or you are not confident in using computers, you should call the SAF Advisory Service. A SAF advisor can, in certain circumstances, arrange an appointment for you in your local DAERA Direct Office. This appointment will be on a ‘one to one’ basis and the DAERA Direct Office advisor will guide you through your online application. It is important that you bring your Government Gateway ID and Password or Customer ID and DAERA Access key to that appointment. If you applied on paper last year and you think you need ‘one to one’ assistance to make your application this year, make the call now and don’t miss out.
Alternatively, you may have someone you know who can help you. You can give someone else permission to complete your form online for you. This can be a member of your family, or a friend, or your accountant or an agent. You will need to complete a form to nominate an authorised person. The person who is helping you can download this form or call the SAF Advisory Service on 0300 200 7848.
If you choose to use an agent make sure to contact them early to make the necessary authorisation arrangements.
Notes to editors:
1. The Single Application window is open from 1 March 2017 to 15 May 2017.
2. 62% of applications were submitted online in 2016.
3. 90.72% of eligible farmers received an advance payment in 2016.
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
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