Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced the key dates for the launch of the High Street Voucher Scheme:
September 27 – The online portal for applications open.
October 4 – The first tranche of cards will be issued to successful applicants.
October 11 – Telephone support service opens.
October 25 – The last qualifying date for those turning 18 to register for the pre-paid card. Portal and telephone services close.
November 30 – Scheme closes and pre-paid cards will cease to be valid.
The £100 pre-paid card can be used at any ‘brick-and-mortar’ retail outlet in Northern Ireland and cannot be used online. The verification process for using the card will operate in three stages, using the Electoral Register, the DVLA databases, and National Insurance numbers. People must register online, and a telephone support service will be available for those unable to access the online portal.