GovCash

GovCash is a payment mode that allows Singapore citizens to withdraw their Government benefits in cash at 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 secure. 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.

There are three options which you can choose to receive your cash benefits via GovCash:

Option 1: Transfer to your PayNow-NRIC linked bank account via LifeSG mobile app
If you have an existing bank account, you can link your account to PayNow-NRIC with your bank. Thereafter, log in 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: Scan & Pay via LifeSG mobile app
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: Withdrawal at 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 or SMS (with no web links) after your cash benefits has been paid. You can also log in to the e-services ↗ (opens in new tab) 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.

Please refer to the “Assisting Your Loved Ones ↗ (opens in new tab)” page for more information.

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.

You can retrieve your Payment Reference Number by logging in to the e-services ↗ (opens in new tab) with your Singpass and selecting “GovCash PRN” at the menu on the left. This will only be available after the payment has been made through GovCash.

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 ↗ (opens in new tab) for latest list of NEW ATMs) during the branch operating hours, and the OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to assist you

You can visit a NEW ATM located at selected OCBC branches (refer to the OCBC website ↗ (opens in new tab) for the latest list of NEW ATMs) during their branch operating hours. OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be available to assist you.

You can withdraw or use your GovCash at your convenience. However, you are encouraged to withdraw/utilise your GovCash promptly.

To check your GovCash balance, visit any OCBC ATM with your 8-digit Payment Reference Number (PRN). Upon successful authentication, you will be able to view your GovCash balance. Alternatively, you may log in to the LifeSG mobile app using your Singpass to view your GovCash balance and transaction history.

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:

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 such as via NRIC/FIN. With PayNow, the recipient's bank information will be kept private.

Provide or update your bank account details
Alternatively, you may provide your bank account details or update them by logging in to our e-services ↗ (opens in new tab) 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.

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.

No, your GovCash balance will be deducted upon successful payment.