FAQ: How to redeem the S$100 NS55 digital credits and where you can use them
SINGAPORE: Eligible past and present national servicemen (NSmen) will receive S$100 of digital credits from Friday (Jul 1).
The credits are part of the NS55 Recognition Package, meant to thank NSmen for their contributions to Singapore’s defence and security as the country marks 55 years of National Service.
The NS55 Recognition Package also includes a one-year complimentary SAFRA or HomeTeamNS principal membership.
Here’s what you need to know about how to redeem the package and how to use the credits.
Q: Who is eligible for the NS55 credits?
NSmen will be eligible for the package based on their national service status as of May this year.
This includes full-time national servicemen (NSFs), those who are or were operationally ready NSmen, and NSFs who are disrupted from full-time National Service.
NSFs who enlist by Dec 31 this year will also qualify for the benefits after enlistment, said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
All eligible NSmen will receive their NS55 Recognition Package notification at the official address on their NRIC. The letter will contain instructions on how to register for the SAFRA/HomeTeamNS membership. Registration for membership closes on Dec 31, 2022.
Q: How can I redeem the S$100 digital credits?
From July 2022, eligible NSmen will receive an SMS notification that the NS55 credits have been disbursed to them.
The credits, which are valid for a year, will be disbursed digitally in batches from Jul 1 to 31.
NSmen can access their LifeSG mobile app to redeem the digital credits at any online or physical merchant accepting payment by Scan and Pay via PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR.
Q: Can I redeem the credits in cash or physical vouchers?
The digital credits cannot be withdrawn from SoCash like other NS credits given out previously.
However, hardcopy vouchers can be provided to those who have “exhausted all means of assistance” but are still unable to access or redeem their credits via the LifeSG app, said MINDEF on Thursday.
These NSmen can contact the NS55 Call Centre (1800-723-6755 or contactus [at] ns55.com.sg) to request vouchers.
Those who need help accessing the LifeSG mobile app to redeem their credits can visit any of the SAFRA or HomeTeamNS clubhouses, or the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s SG Digital Community Hubs.
When credits have been successfully spent, there will be a payment success screen at the end of each transaction. NSmen can also view their credit balance and past transactions on the LifeSG app.
Q: Where can I use the digital credits?
Using the LifeSG mobile app, NSmen can redeem the digital credits at any online or physical merchants that accept payment by Scan and Pay via PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR.
These include heartland shops, hawkers and e-commerce platforms.
They can also choose to make payments to government agencies and educational institutions or donate their credits to charities online.
Nearly 90 merchants will offer additional discounts and promotions when national servicemen redeem their credits and show the LifeSG app at their shops. This includes merchants from different sectors such as F&B, sports and fitness, hotels and retail, MINDEF said.
If the purchases cost more than the balance of NS55 credits, NSmen cannot top-up the credit balance in the LifeSG app. They may choose to pay the difference using other modes of payments accepted by the merchants.
They also cannot be combined with credits from other recognition initiatives like the NS Excellence Award.