GovCash
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What is GovCash?
GovCash is a payment mode that allows Singapore citizens to withdraw their Government benefits in cash from over 500 OCBC ATMS located across Singapore. Singaporeans who prefer to seek assistance with their GovCash withdrawals can visit the ATMs located within OCBC's branches during operating hours, where OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be present to guide them. In addition, GovCash also allows recipients to use the scan-and-pay function and PayNow transfer option through the LifeSG mobile app.
Is GovCash safe?
GovCash is as secure as receiving payments via cheque. It adopts the Singpass Face Verification technology to authenticate users, including a liveness-detection capability that blocks the use of photographs, videos or masks during the verification process. Users are also required to key in their unique 8-digit Payment Reference Number (PRN) during the withdrawal of the Government benefits at the OCBC ATMs.
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How do I receive my cash benefit via GovCash?
There are three options which you can choose to receive your cash benefit via GovCash:
Option 1: Use LifeSG to transfer to PayNow-NRIC linked bank account
If you have an existing bank account, you can link your account to PayNow-NRIC with your bank. Thereafter, login to LifeSG mobile app (LifeSG) using your Singpass to transfer your GovCash to your PayNow-NRIC linked bank account. The LifeSG app can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play Store.
Option 2: Use LifeSG for Scan & Pay
You can use LifeSG to scan participating merchant’s QR code for purchases or scan your friend/family’s QR code to transfer your GovCash to them. You can only make purchases at merchants that accept PayNow/NETS QR code using the LifeSG app. You can look out for the PayNow/NETS logo on the SG QR label that is displayed by the merchants.
Option 3: Withdraw from OCBC ATMs
You can withdraw your cash benefit at OCBC ATMs islandwide. You just need to enter:
a) Your unique 8-digit Payment Reference Number (PRN)
b) Your NRIC number; and
c) pass the facial verification
You do not need to have an OCBC bank account to use this service.
You will receive the PRN via a letter and your Singpass app (if any) or SMS after you cash benefits has been paid. You can also log into the e-services with your Singpass to view your PRN by selecting “GovCash PRN” that is found at the menu on the left. This will only be available after the payment has been made.
You may refer to the step-by-step guide for detailed instructions on ways you can utilise your GovCash benefits.
I lost my letter containing the Payment Reference Number (PRN), can someone else withdraw my GovCash?
It is not possible to withdraw the money with just the PRN as GovCash uses the Singpass Face Verification technology to authenticate users during the withdrawal of the Government benefits from OCBC ATMs. The Face Verification technology incorporates a liveness-detection capability that blocks the use of photographs, videos or masks during the verification process.
This security feature prevents any fraudulent withdrawal of the Government benefits by third party using photographs or videos belonging to the beneficiary and ensuring only the eligible Singaporean can perform the withdrawal of his or her Government benefits.
Can you re-send my Payment Reference Number to me so that I can perform my GovCash withdrawals?
You can log into the e-services with your Singpass to view your Payment Reference Number (PRN) by selecting “GovCash PRN” that is found at the menu on the left. This will only be available after the payment has been made through GovCash.
What should I do if my facial recognition at the ATM with GovCash functions is unsuccessful?
Should the ATM be unable to verify your identity via Singpass Face Verification after repeated tries, you may visit a NEW ATM located at selected OCBC branches (refer to OCBC website for latest list of NEW ATMs) during the branch operating hours, and OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to assist you with your GovCash transactions.
Where can I seek help regarding my GovCash withdrawal?
Singaporeans who require assistance with their GovCash withdrawals can visit a NEW ATM located at selected OCBC branches (refer to OCBC website for latest list of NEW ATMs) during the branch operating hours, and OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to assist you.
How can I help a beneficiary with medical condition (e.g. physically immobile or mentally incapacitated) to withdraw their GovCash monies?
You can help a beneficiary with medical condition (e.g. who is physically immobile or mentally incapacitated) to withdraw their GovCash monies if you are:
• Aged 21 years and above; and
• A next-of-kin, or caregiver, or appointed donee under the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), or court-appointed Deputy of the beneficiary
To help with the withdrawal of the GovCash monies, please bring the following documents and visit any OCBC-New ATM during branch operating hours, where OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to render assistance:
a) Original documentary evidence stating the beneficiary's medical condition (e.g. doctor's memorandum, medical report or court order). The date of the document(s) should not be more than 1 year from the withdrawal date, unless it specifically states that the patient's condition is permanent or the condition is known to be permanent (e.g. bedridden, immobile, physically incapacitated, disabled, intellectually disabled, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc);.
b) A photocopy of the beneficiary’s NRIC;
c) Your original NRIC; and
d) Beneficiary’s GovCash Payment Reference Number (PRN)
You may be required to sign a Letter of Indemnity at the bank, witnessed by the bank officer.
Is there a specific time frame for me to withdraw/utilise my GovCash?
You can choose to withdraw/utilise your GovCash at your convenience. Eligible Singaporeans for the GSTV – Cash are encouraged to withdraw/utilise your GovCash to offset your GST expenses.
How do I check my GovCash balance?
To check your GovCash balance, please visit any OCBC ATMs with your 8-digit Payment Reference Number (PRN). Upon successful authentication, you will be able to view your GovCash balance. Alternatively, you may login to the LifeSG mobile app using your SingPass to view your GovCash balance and transaction history. You may refer to the step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.How do I know if the merchants allow me to make purchases using my GovCash?
You can only make purchases using GovCash at merchants that accept PayNow/NETS QR code using the LifeSG app. You can look out for the PayNow/NETS logo on the SG QR label that is displayed by the merchants.
If my GovCash balance is insufficient to make payments to merchants, can I top-up using my own funds?
Topping up your GovCash balance in the LifeSG mobile app is not available. For purchases of amounts above your GovCash balance, please pay the difference using other payment modes that the merchants accept (e.g. cash, debit/credit cards).
Can I cancel the payment after I have confirmed the payment utilising my GovCash on the LifeSG mobile app?
No, your GovCash balance will be deducted upon successful payment.
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What should I do if I do not want to receive my payments via GovCash?
There are two options for you if you do not wish to receive your payments via GovCash:
Option 1: Register for PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account
We encourage you to register for PayNow-NRIC with your preferred bank. You may contact your bank for specific details on how to register your NRIC on PayNow.
If you have linked your NRIC to PayNow, your future GSTV Cash benefit (if any) will be automatically credited to your PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account. You may contact your bank to check if you are registered on PayNow-NRIC.
Option 2: Register your bank account details
Alternatively, you can choose to receive your payments via crediting to your bank account. To do so, you may login to the e-services using your Singpass, select “Payment Instruction” and update your POSB/DBS, OCBC or UOB bank account details.