Q1.      What is the objective of giving out U-Stretch vouchers?
A1:      A core program of U Care Fund, U-Stretch aims to provide relief to low income union members (both Ordinary and General Branch) to reduce hardship during the downturn.

Q2.      What is U-Stretch vouchers?
A2:      It is a 50% discount voucher worth $80. It is redeemable at the specified participating social enterprises. It comes in a booklet with denominations of $2.50. With the $2.50 voucher, you can buy a $5 item and pay for it with this $2.50 U-Stretch voucher. You only need to spend $5 to get your 50% discount.

Q3.      What are the eligibility criteria?
A3:      Union member who has:

• Total gross household monthly income of $1,800 or below, or;
• Per capita income not exceeding $500/- if household income exceeds $1,800 per month.
• Must have at least six months of continuous paid-up membership

Q4.      How are these vouchers to be used?
A4:      U-Stretch vouchers are 50% discount vouchers of values indicated on the coupons. These vouchers can be presented to the cashiers at the participating Social Enterprises (SEs) and pay for products at half price or 50% discount. One only needs to spend as low as $5 to use the discount voucher. The minimum amount for usage of the vouchers is $5 purchase.

Q5.      How much vouchers will be given out?
A5:      $6.4million worth of U-Stretch vouchers will be given out to 80,000 union members.

Q6.      How much vouchers would a successful applicant get?
A6:      Each successful applicant will receive a booklet of $80 worth of U-Stretch vouchers.

Q7       Where can we use these vouchers
A7       They can be used at the following NTUC Social Enterprises (SEs):

Q8       For how long will U-Stretch Vouchers be valid?
A8       U-Stretch vouchers will be valid for 9 months, with effect from 1 June 2009. It expires on 28 Feb 2010.

Q9.      Can U-Stretch vouchers be converted to cash?
A9:      No, the vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.

Q10.    Are the vouchers transferable?
A10:    While Care and Share does not allow U-Stretch vouchers to be transferred to non-members or unsuccessful applicants, the vouchers do not carry any members’ identifications or names. It can be used by anyone who presents them for redemption. Successful applicants are encouraged to keep them safely to prevent theft and usage by any parties who pick them up.

Q11.    If the vouchers have been tampered with or defaced, can they still be used?
A11:    Vouchers should be kept safely and presented in reasonably good condition to avoid being rejected by NTUC Social Enterprises. NTUC reserves the right not to recognise and reject tampered or defaced vouchers.

Q12.    What if someone found a voucher that does not belong to him/her?
A12:    Lost and found vouchers can be returned to NTUC Customer Service Centre, Basement, NTUC Centre, No 1 Marina Boulevard, One Marina Boulevard (Raffles Place MRT).

APPENDIX A