Payment Cards

How the payment card works

Our payment cards look like Eftpos cards.

We load them with a cash balance so you can buy approved items.

The balance is either loaded onto a card you have already, or a new card if you don't have one.

You can use the card in shops that take Eftpos, and have registered with us to accept our card.

You'll need to spend any balance loaded onto your card within 7 days.

It’s important to use your payment card to buy essential items only such as food, petrol, clothing - it depends what you've applied for, and you can talk to a Work and Income staff member about this.

Payment Cards must not be used for non-essential items like:

• alcohol
• cigarettes
• vaping products
• tobacco
• gift cards
• vouchers (this excludes phone top-ups)
• lotto tickets
• non-essential appliances (such as an air fryer), or
• non-essential electronics (such as a gaming console).

To find out more about how to use your payment card, go to Using your Payment Card.

Getting a voucher instead of a payment card

There are times when we need to give you a payment voucher instead of a payment card, for example when:

• local shops or landlords don't have Eftpos terminals
• you're unable to use a payment card
• the Eftpos network or our internal systems are down
• there's a state of emergency.

Getting a card

You need a payment card:

• the first time you’re given a food or hardship grant (if you haven't had one before), or
• after you talk with your Youth Service provider about your application for Youth Payment or Young Parent payment
• if you've lost an earlier card and you need a new one
• if your earlier card has expired and you need a new one.

If you're applying for a payment and need a payment card to load this onto, please call us to talk about how we can get a card to you.

When you get your card, we'll:

• ask you to sign the back of your card
• let you know what you can use your payment card for and where.

Keep your payment card safe

Keep your card safe, it’s like an Eftpos card.

We can't add a new balance to a card you've lost.

We'll need to cancel a lost card and give you a new card as soon as we can.

What to do if you lose your card

Call us to tell us you've lost your card. When you do say 'payment card'.

Contact us

If you have a Youth Service Provider, let them know you've lost your payment card too.