GovCash

    1. 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.

    2. 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.
    1. How do I receive my 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 GSTV Cash 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.

    2. I lost my letter containing the Payment Reference Number (PRN), can someone else take my money?
      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.

    3. Can you re-send my Payment Reference Number to me?
      You can 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 through GovCash.

    4. 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.

    5. I require help with my Govcash withdrawal, where can I go?
      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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. How can I withdraw my GovCash if I cannot personally perform the ATM withdrawal?
      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. You will be able to receive future Government benefits more quickly into your PayNow-linked bank account.

      Alternatively, you may wish to link your bank account to PayNow-NRIC to receive future Government benefits earlier.

      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: Appoint a proxy to perform ATM withdrawal on your behalf
      You can appoint a proxy to perform the ATM withdrawal on your behalf. If you are unable to appoint a proxy due to your medical condition, your official representative can act as your proxy to perform the ATM withdrawal on your behalf. To do so, the proxy must be:
      • Aged 21 years and above;
      • Is a next-of-kin or caregiver or appointed donee under the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) of the beneficiary
      Required Documents:
      a) Memo or medical report signed-off by a medical doctor, which certifies the beneficiary’s medical condition that disallows him/her to personally perform the ATM withdrawal

      Note: If the condition is non-permanent, the medical documentation must be dated within 1 year from the date of transaction by proxy. However, if the condition is known to be permanent (e.g. bedridden, immobile, physically incapacitated, disabled, intellectually disabled, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc), the medical documentation can be dated any time, and be used for future transactions.

      b) Photocopy of beneficiary’s NRIC
      c) Beneficiary’s GovCash Payment Reference Number (PRN) which is indicated in the payment notification to beneficiary
      d) Proxy’s original NRIC

      For Proxy’s Action:
      Bring the required documents and visit a NEW ATM located at selected OCBC branches (refer to OCBC website for latest list of NEW ATMs) during the branch operating hours. OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to render assistance.

    9. How do I know if the merchants allow me make purchases using my GovCash?
      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.

    10. 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).

    11. Can I cancel my payment after I have confirmed the payment on the LifeSG mobile app?
      No, your GovCash balance will be deducted upon successful payment.

    1. What should I do if I do not want to receive my 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.