Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Utilisation Rates of NS LifeSG Credits and Considerations to Extend Validity Period

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song  asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) what is the percentage of eligible national servicemen who have yet to fully utilise their NS LifeSG credits; (b) how many have not used any of the credits; (c) whether the Ministry will extend the validity period beyond the one-year deadline; and (d) whether the Ministry will conduct a review of the reasons for the unutilised credits.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

In November 2024, $200 NS LifeSG Credits were disbursed to each eligible past and present national servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team to recognise their contributions to Singapore’s defence and security.

The utilisation of the NS LifeSG Credits has been high. As of end-September 2025, 87% of recipients had used their credits at least once. Over 61% of recipients have fully utilised their credits, while another 13% have less than $2 worth of remaining credits.

The one-year validity period of the NS LifeSG Credits was made known at the point of disbursement. It is consistent with the validity period for previous vouchers or credits disbursed to recognise national servicemen. To encourage national servicemen to redeem the credits before expiry, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has broadcasted direct reminders to national servicemen via SMS, as well as through mass messages on MINDEF’s social media platforms.