My parents, who have decidedly not been in prison for the last 30 years, can barely fill out most digital forms (especially ones on the Web) on their own. They both have professional degrees and have used computers since the 1980s.
Assuming that someone who has likely never touched a computer before can operate at or above that level seems like a fast track towards ensuring that they remain marginalized and even further isolated from social services. That, in turn, has long term expenses that, I'd expect, dwarf the costs of a few hardcopies and a data-entry clerk.
I am not unfamiliar with this situation but I still think it is an edge case that the time will take care of.
In my case, family fills up the online forms for the elderly. I know that they are not stupid, my father is an Engeneer with masters degree, used to program with punch cards and he still uses Autocad but he is having trouble with online forms. When needed, he sends me a link and I fill up forms for him occasionally. I have other relatives too who are simply not comfortable with computers and we will help them out when needed.
When that's not possible, a clerk will help them out. People tend to be nice to old people, even if they are grumpy.
Assuming that someone who has likely never touched a computer before can operate at or above that level seems like a fast track towards ensuring that they remain marginalized and even further isolated from social services. That, in turn, has long term expenses that, I'd expect, dwarf the costs of a few hardcopies and a data-entry clerk.