BasicsCard Limit Increased

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin MP and Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen MP, today announced a temporary increase to the daily spend limit on the BasicsCard and reminded customers of the free 1800 number to check their balance.

‘As a result of the annual Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Reconciliation Process, income managed customers will have access to large, lump sum payments,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘We have increased the amount customers can spend in one day from $800 to $3000 to allow families to purchase large items such as whitegoods.

‘Income management is an important measure for ensuring welfare payments are spent in the interests of children.’

Customers can easily check the balance on their BasicsCard by using the 1800 Freecall number.

The number 1800 057 111 is a free call from a landline or public phone but a charge does apply from a mobile phone. The number works on an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and is for balance enquiry calls only.

If the customer requires additional services or information they can call the current Income Management line 13 2594 as it provides a range of services associated with BasicsCard, including transferring Income Managed funds to BasicsCard and reporting lost or stolen cards.

‘The Income Management 13-number is already directly linked to phones in more than 60 stores, with an additional 20 phones to be introduced in other stores over the 2009-10 financial year,’ Mr Bowen said.

‘More than 18,000 customers have been issued with a BasicsCard and more than $83 million has been spent on priority goods and services at 935 approved stores.’

The BasicsCard balance enquiry line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The increase on the daily spend limit is effective from 14 July to 28 September 2009.