GovCash

    1. What is GovCash?
      GovCash is a new payment mode that allows Singapore citizens to receive their payouts from Government agencies more quickly and conveniently. Singaporeans can withdraw their Government payouts in cash from over 500 OCBC ATMS located across Singapore.

      Previously, cheque recipients would have to deposit the cheques or encash them over the bank counters. GovCash allows them to receive their payouts at the OCBC ATM immediately at any time of the day. They are no longer restricted by the bank's operating hours. 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 will replace GST Voucher cheques from 2022 onwards.

      Click here for an overview of GovCash.



    2. Is GovCash safe?
      GovCash is as secure as receiving payouts via cheque. It adopts the Singpass facial 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 payout at the OCBC ATMs.
    1. How do I receive my cash payout via GovCash?
      You can withdraw your cash payout at OCBC ATMs islandwide. You just need to enter:

      a) Your unique 8-digit Payment Reference Number (PRN)
      b) Your NRIC number; and
      c) passing 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 payment has been made in end August. 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 can also transfer your payouts to your PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account or make payments to merchants by scanning their PayNow or NETS QR code using the LifeSG app. The LifeSG app can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play Store.

    2. I lost my letter containing the Payment Reference Number, can someone else take my money?
      It is not possible to withdraw the money with just the Payment Reference Number as GovCash uses the Singpass facial verification technology to authenticate users during the withdrawal of the Government payout from OCBC ATMs. The facial 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 payout 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 payout.

    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, please try again or request assistance from OCBC’s Digital Ambassadors at the OCBC Branches.

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

    6. Is there a specific time frame for me to withdraw/utilize my GovCash?
      There is no specific time frame for you to withdraw/utilize your GovCash. As the intent of the GSTV scheme is to provide a continuing offset for the GST expenses of lower- to middle-income Singaporean households, and most retiree households, eligible individuals are encouraged to withdraw/utilize their GovCash for daily expenses.

    7. 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.

    1. What should I do if I do not want to receive my payouts via GovCash?
      GovCash will replace GST Voucher (GSTV) cheques from 2022 onwards.

      If you do not wish to receive your future GSTV payout via GovCash, we would encourage you to register for PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account 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 payouts (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.

      Alternatively, you can choose to receive your payouts via Direct Bank Crediting. To do so, you may login to the e-services using your Singpass, select “Update Your Payment Mode” and update your POSB/DBS, OCBC or UOB bank account details.