GovCash

What is GovCash and is it safe?

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.

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.
How do I receive my cash benefit via GovCash?

There are three options which you can choose to receive your cash benefits 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.

Options 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.

Do note that your GovCash balance will be deducted upon successful payment and you will not be able to cancel the payment once you have confirmed the payment on LifeSG app.

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).

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 (with no web links) after your 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.
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 only the Payment Reference Number 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?

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.
What should I do if my facial recognition at the ATM with GovCash functions is unsuccessful?

If you are unable to verify your identity via Singpass Face Verification at the ATM despite 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 the OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to assist you.
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.
Is there a specific time frame for me to withdraw/utilise my GovCash?

You can choose to withdraw/utilise your GovCash at your convenience. However, you are encouraged to withdraw/utilise your GovCash as the intent of the government benefits is to help Singaporeans with their daily 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.
What should I do if I do not want to receive my payments via GovCash?

PayNow-NRIC is the primary payment mode for Government cash payments. You would have received your payments via GovCash if you have not linked your NRIC to PayNow, or your bank account details provided to the Government previously were invalid. In order to not receive payments via GovCash, you may either:

Option 1: Link your NRIC to PayNow
We encourage you to link your NRIC to PayNow as PayNow-NRIC is the primary payment mode for Government cash payments.

You can link your NRIC to PayNow if you have a bank account with the participating banks. Please refer to your respective bank's website for specific details on how to link your NRIC to PayNow. Please note that PayNow-Mobile number is not accepted.

PayNow is a secure funds transfer service that allows customers to receive money into their bank account via NRIC/FIN and/or mobile number. With PayNow, the recipient's bank information will be kept private. The recipient will need to provide their mobile number or NRIC/FIN to the sender to send money. Other PayNow users will not have access to your personal details unless it is provided by you.

Option 2: Provide or update your bank account details
You may provide your bank account details or update them by logging in to our e-services with your Singpass.

Please note that bank crediting is only available via the three local banking groups DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, and your bank account must be a personal or joint account linked to your NRIC number.
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.
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.
How can I help a beneficiary with medical condition to withdraw their GovCash monies?

You can help a beneficiary with medical condition (e.g. who is physically immobile or mentally incapacitated) withdraw their GovCash monies if you are:
- Aged 21 and above; and
- A next-of-kin 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, visit any OCBC-New ATM during branch operating hours, where OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to render assistance:

If you are a next-of-kin or caregiver of the beneficiary, please bring the following document(s):
1. 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 ago, 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, mentally incapacitated, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.);
2. Your original NRIC;
3. A photocopy of the beneficiary’s NRIC; and
4. Beneficiary's GovCash Payment Reference Number (PRN).
If you are the appointed donee under the Lasting Power of Attorney of the beneficiary, please bring the following document(s):
1. Lasting Power of Attorney of the beneficiary;
2. 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 ago, 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, mentally incapacitated, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.);
3. Your original NRIC;
4. A photocopy of the beneficiary’s NRIC; and
5. Beneficiary's GovCash Payment Reference Number (PRN).
If you are the court-appointed deputy, please bring the following document(s):
1. Court Order authorising you to perform financial transactions on behalf of the beneficiary;
2. Your original NRIC;
3. A photocopy of the beneficiary’s NRIC; and
4. 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.