We thank Mr Zhang Xin Yuan for his letter “Optimising the Distribution of Credits for National Servicemen”, published on 19 November 2024.

The NS LifeSG credits recognises the contributions of all generations of National Servicemen to Singapore's defence and security. The LifeSG credits are automatically disbursed via the LifeSG mobile application to eligible past and present National Servicemen. Recipients are also notified via SMS and hardcopy letter after the LifeSG credits have been disbursed.

The LifeSG credits can be used at more than 100,000 merchants that accept payment via PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR. These include supermarkets, retail stores, food and beverage outlets, heartland shops and hawkers, and online merchants. As a show of support for National Service, some merchants are also offering exclusive discounts and promotions when payments are made using the LifeSG credits. The list of participating merchants can be found at https://go.gov.sg/promosnslifesg.

The disbursement arrangement provides our National Servicemen the convenience and flexibility of being able to receive, carry and redeem the LifeSG credits as well as allows our businesses to show their support for National Service. National Servicemen are free to decide how they would like to use the credits. Those who prefer to encash them at merchants will have to consider whether they would want to incur extra fees.

Eligible National Servicemen who need help to claim the credits can contact the NS Call Centre at 1800 367 6767 or seek assistance from the digital ambassadors at any of the 36 SG Digital Community Hubs or 9 ServiceSG Centres. Those who are unable to access the credits via the LifeSG mobile application or are not comfortable with digital payments, may request for hardcopy vouchers through the NS Call Centre.