Q1.      What is the objective of giving out “U-Stretch” vouchers?
A1:      The objective is to assist union members (both Ordinary and General Branch) in particular, the lower income workers, combat the effects of rising cost of living.

Q2.      Where can these vouchers be used?
A2:      These vouchers can be used at the following NTUC Social Enterprises:

• NTUC Childcare Centres    
• NTUC Club: Escape Theme Park, Wild Wild Wet, Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East funkey! Top-up and Orchid Bowl
• NTUC ElderCare: Day Care Centres and Care@home services
• NTUC FairPrice: Supermarkets, Xtra, Xpress, Finest and Cheers outlelts; Cannot be used for purchase of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and statutory items
• NTUC Healthcare:  Unity outlets, NTUC Medicare/Denticare/TCM clinics and The Living Pharmacy/Physiocare
• NTUC Link:  5% off or (71 LinkPoints maximum) redeemable at NTUC Customer Service Centre, One Marina Boulevard

Q3.      How much vouchers will be given out?
A3:      A total of $4million worth of vouchers is expected to be given out, benefiting up to 80,000 union members based on $50 worth of discount vouchers per eligible member. 

Q4.      What are the eligibility criteria?
A4:      Union member who has:

• Total gross household monthly income of $1,800 or below, or;
• Per capita income not exceeding $500/- if household income is more than $1,800.
• In addition, for members who do not meet the income criteria, unions could exercise some flexibility and consider on a case-by-case basis, approved by the Union ExCo.

Q5.      How much worth of vouchers would a successful applicant get?
A5:      Each successful applicant will receive a booklet of $50 worth of discount vouchers.

Q6.      How are these vouchers to be used?
A6:      Each voucher entitles the member to a 50-cent discount off $10 purchase. Members may use more than one voucher at a time e.g. 5 vouchers to gain discounts for a $50 purchase. (See Attached Appendix A for more details from Participating NTUC Social Enterprises.)

Q7       Can the vouchers be converted to cash?
A7       No, the vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.

Q8       What is the validity period of these vouchers?
A8       The vouchers will be valid for eight (8) months, with effect from 1 May 2008 and expires on 31 Dec 2008. The validity dates of these vouchers will not be extended upon expiry.

Q9.      Are the vouchers transferable?
A9:      Vouchers are transferable in the sense that they are not personalised and are subject to theft, loss and may still be used by other parties who present them. As such, successful applicants are strongly encouraged to keep the vouchers safely.

Q10.    If the vouchers have been tampered with or defaced, can they still be used?
A10:    Vouchers should be kept safely and presented in reasonably good condition to avoid being unacceptable for use by NTUC Social Enterprises. NTUC reserves the right not to recognise or accept tampered or defaced vouchers.

Q11.    What if someone found a voucher that does not belong to him/her?
A11:    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