Telephone for High Street Voucher Scheme launches on Monday

By Q Radio News

Stormont's Economy Minister has announced applications for the High Street voucher card in  Northern Ireland can be made by telephone from Monday.

Every adult in Northern Ireland is eligible for a free £100 pre-paid card and special arrangements have been made for vulnerable and homeless people. 

Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed those who do not have access to the internet or who are unable to apply online, can make their application for their card by calling 0800 046 8330.

The service will operate from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday until 25 October 2021.

The Minister said: “Demand for the Spend Local prepaid card has been unprecedented with well over 1 million people making their application online.

"We must not forget, however, that there are people who do not have access to the internet or need assistance with their application.

"I am pleased, therefore, to announce that applications for those people can now be made using our Telephone Application Service from Monday 11 October.  

“Callers will need to provide the same personal information as those who applied online, except an agent will make the application on their behalf. Once the applicant’s information has been verified, the £100 prepaid card will be posted out.”

Mr Lyons added, “The High Street Scheme is a key element of my Department's Economic Recovery Action Plan. I would encourage everyone to consider where they spend their card and help to give a boost to those local businesses and communities hit hard by the pandemic and associated restrictions.”

In order to verify applications the following personal details are required.

• National Insurance number
• name
• address
• date of birth
• sex
• disability status (specifying if you have a visual impairment)
• email address (if available)
• telephone number
• driving licence number (this is optional but will help speed up the checking process)