From July 2022 onwards, national servicemen will be eligible to claim $100 in vouchers to celebrate NS55. But where are the best places to use them in SG?

Who is eligible for the NS55 voucher?

Serving National Service (NS) is often one of the most momentous events in a Singaporean male’s life, and perhaps one of the most unique features of Singapore. After all, one cannot underscore the importance of NS more, for it is our only line of defence against any potential external threats that Singapore might face.

As such, as Mindef marks 55 years of National Service, it is indeed an occasion worth celebrating.

First announced in March, the NS Recognition Package is to be disbursed by Mindef for NSMens’ and NSFs’ contributions to Singapore's defence. It consists of $100 NS55 credit vouchers and a complimentary one-year SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership.

So who is eligible? If you are NSmen or NSF as of May 2022, you are then qualified for the benefits. Do note that you need to register by Dec 31, 2022 in order to redeem the complimentary SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership.

How do you claim the vouchers?

The credits, which will be valid for a year, will be disbursed digitally for convenience from July 1 to July 31. You can download the LifeSG mobile application on your mobile phone to redeem the credits. Here are four easy steps to do so:

• In your LifeSG mobile application, scroll to “Benefits and Support”
• Locate “NS55 credits” and tap on “View Details”
• Tap on “Scan QR code to pay” and scan the QR code provided by the merchant
• After entering the amount to pay, that’s it! You will have successfully paid for your purchase using the NS55 credits

For some people, the LifeSG app might not reflect the $100 credits yet. Some might not even be able to see the “Benefits and Support” section in the app. But fear not — the credits are issued on a rolling basis, so just be patient. Eventually, you should receive them by the end of July 2022.

‘Life hack’ to get the vouchers in cash

Some of you might wonder, why are the rewards in the form of credit vouchers and not cash? Perhaps it is to ensure recipients will spend the credits with Singapore-registered businesses via the LifeSG app.

Disbursed cash might end up being spent outside Singapore — for instance, being used to pump petrol in Johor Bahru, which is a notorious favourite pastime of Singaporeans.

However, it is understandable that having your $100 being restricted to just a few businesses that accept PayNow transactions is inconvenient. As such, users have uncovered a way to ‘convert’ these credits to cash.

Sheng Shiong ATMs apparently can be used to dispense cash from the PayNow option. However, due to a $0.20 convenience fee, users can only withdraw a maximum of $90 from the machine, as withdrawing $100 would require a $100.20 credit instead. The remaining $9.80 can be kept as credits in the LifeSG app for use at other merchants.

So what are these other merchants that you can spend your credits on?

Full List of Merchants

Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of all participating merchants and their promotions for you in a handy table. Most of them have outlets at SAFRA centres all over Singapore, and some have higher benefits if you happen to be a SAFRA member as well!

Promotion with Singlife

Beyond just the list of stores and merchants holding promotions for NS55, Singlife with Aviva is also providing an exclusive offer to all Mindef and MHA personnel in recognition of 55 years of National Service in Singapore.

All Mindef and MHA personnel who download the Singlife app and sign up for a Singlife Account will receive a $20 e-voucher. They can then complete a portfolio review with a Singlife Relationship Consultant to receive an additional $35 in their Singlife Account.

Through the app, personnel can have a better view of their group insurance coverage. They can easily purchase, check or upgrade policies as well as seamlessly add dependents to their existing plans.

Conclusion

Indeed, celebrating fifty-five years of National Service is a momentous occasion. Not only does it mark a significant milestone in Singapore’s independence, but it also serves to commemorate fifty-five years of service and contributions from our national servicemen and women.

With so many exciting new offers and promotions in store for you, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and download the LifeSG app to receive your vouchers!

ALSO READ: 'This is legit': Man shares 'hack' on how to redeem NS55 credits as cash from Sheng Siong ATM