25/10/2021

Last Chance To Apply For Spend Local Card

Today is the last day for applications for the Spend Local card, with the scheme closing to new applications at midnight today, Monday 25 October.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said that "if you have not yet applied for your Spend Local card, you must do so today"

The Minister said: "There are just hours left for eligible applicants to apply for their £100 pre-paid Spend Local card. If you haven't applied, you must do so today. Join the 1.4 million who have already applied.

"I want to see as many eligible applicants as possible receive and use their Spend Local cards and take the opportunity to support thousands of businesses across Northern Ireland. So, please also consider if you have friends or family members who may need help with applying.

"Already, local businesses are starting to feel the boost the Spend Local card brings. However, this is just the beginning and we are continuing to process applications as quickly as possible so more and more people will receive their cards in the coming weeks.

"If you have already received - and activated - your card, I would encourage you to Spend Local. Use your £100 to help the businesses in your local area that were impacted by the pandemic."

The online portal will close at midnight today. This deadline applies to new applications only. It does not apply to those who have been asked to upload further information to verify their identity.

If applicants have been notified of, or received, an Application Reference Number, (e.g. SLNI 12345678) after they made their application, or if they have received an e-mail confirming their application has been submitted, they can be confident that their application is currently being processed and there's no need for them to reapply or contact the Department.

If, however, a person is unable to make an application online or is concerned because they did not receive an Application Reference Number or an e-mail confirming receipt of their application, they can contact the Department's Telephone Application Line to reapply/make a new application.

The number to contact is 0800 046 8330. This line will be open on Monday 25 October, the last day for scheme applications, from 8am-12 midnight.


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 September 2021
Over 400,000 Spend Local Applications Complete On Day One
More than 400,000 applications for the Spend Local were completed on the first day of the scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, describing the response as "formidable". The portal for applications to the High Street Scheme opened on Monday.
29 November 2021
Spend Local Card Holders Urged To 'Spend Every Penny'
Spend Local card holders are being urged to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call during a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. He said: "By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it.
11 October 2021
Telephone Applications Now Open For Spend Local Card Scheme
Applications for the Spend Local prepaid card can now be made by telephone from today, Monday 11 October. 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.
21 October 2021
People Urged To Support Local Businesses With Spend Local Card
Anyone who hasn't yet applied for their Spend Local card is being urged to do so now before the applications close on Monday 25 October. Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors need your support to help them bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.
14 September 2021
High Street Scheme To Open From 27 September
The £100 Spend Local pre-paid card High Street Scheme (HSS) will be open from 27 September until 25 October, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced. During a visit to Belfast's Ormeau Road - which was recently announced as Retail NI's High Street of the Year - the Minister announced also announced a number of other key dates.