Payment Cards

When clients receive assistance from us, they will be given a Payment Card which works like an EFTPOS card. Once a client's application has been approved, we'll confirm with the client that their card has been credited.

Payment Cards have replaced the notice of credit vouchers used by our clients to pay for most goods and services.

There are situations when you can still receive notice of credit vouchers. These will be limited to the following:

• if you don't have an EFTPOS terminal
• if the client is unable to use a Payment Card
• when the EFTPOS network is offline
• in a declared state of emergency.

If you want to be a supplier for Work and Income

Complete the Payment Card supplier registration form.

Previously registered suppliers

We are changing the way we pay you for goods and services bought by our clients. To continue being a supplier and to be able to accept Payment Cards, you must register as a supplier again.

• Funds will be credited directly to your bank account straight away at the time of the sale of goods.
• There's no need to reconcile bank statements with hologram letters. This saves you time.
• Once you're a registered supplier, all you need is your existing EFTPOS terminal to accept a Payment Card.
• It's a more efficient way for us to make payments to you.

If you don't have an EFTPOS terminal, you can continue to receive payments by Notice of Credit.

1. The customer swipes the Payment Card through the EFTPOS machine to pay for their goods or services.
2. The customer selects the 'CHQ' option on the EFTPOS machine. The card details are then validated by our bank.
3. Suppliers will be sent an 'accept with signature' message through the EFTPOS terminal.

Under the Red traffic light setting, we have made temporary changes to support people who can't get to the supermarket because they're self-isolating.

Friends or family members can now use clients' Payment Cards to buy essential items for them.

It means checkout operators no longer need to check that the shopper’s signature matches the signature on the Payment Card.

• Payment Card must only be used to pay for the approved goods or services at the agreed suppliers.
• The Payment Card can't be used to buy:
  • alcohol
  • cigarettes
  • tobacco
  • appliances
  • electronics
  • gift cards
  • vouchers
  • lotto tickets
• Cash or change can't be given. The Payment Card pays the exact amount of the goods or services.
• Refunds on return of goods must be credited to the card.
• Clients are required to sign for the goods or services when using the Payment Card. You must be satisfied as to the identity of the client.
• The Payment Card is given back to the customer.
• The payment on the card is valid for only 7 days. This period was extended from the usual 3 days in response to COVID-19.

Reasons why a transaction might be declined:

• You're not a registered Work and Income supplier or you're not registered to the new Payment Card system
  Your business needs to be registered or re-registered with us before you can accept Payment Cards.

• The amount being spent is more then the amount available
  Advise the customer to reduce the amount being spent.

• The payment has expired
  The payment on the card is valid for only 7 days. This period was extended from the usual 3 days in response to COVID-19. Advise the customer to call Work and Income.

Call us on 0800 559 009 - say "Online help" when our phone system asks you what you're calling about. You'll be put straight through to someone who can help.

Or email: