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If you are new to enhanced Income Management, a personalised SmartCard will be sent to you in the mail. You need to activate it before you can use it. The information included with your SmartCard explains how to activate your card.

If you need a temporary SmartCard, you can get one by visiting select Services Australia service centres, participating agents, or Remote Servicing Teams. You can find more information on where you can get a card by selecting the state or territory you live in:

Once your temporary card is activated, your personalised SmartCard is sent in the mail.

When you receive your SmartCard, you must activate it to be able to use it. The information included with your SmartCard explains how to activate your card. To activate your card, you can do one of the following:

  • For a new card, go to smartcard.com.au/eim/login and proceed by entering your Card ID and Activation Code (included on your letter); or
  • For a replacement card, go to smartcard.com.au/eim/login to login. Click the Activate Card button and proceed; or
  • Download the SmartCard eIM App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and follow the prompts; or
  • Contact the SmartCard eIM hotline on 1800 252 604. The SmartCard eIM hotline can also direct you to locations in some areas to receive face-to-face support.

When you receive your new SmartCard, you must activate it to be able to use it. The information included with your SmartCard explains how to activate your card.

Once your SmartCard is activated and funds have been deposited into your enhanced IM account, you can start using it. Please note that funds are deposited into your enhanced IM account on the day your welfare payment is due.

Once you have activated your SmartCard, you can turn your card ON or OFF by logging into your online enhanced IM account. When your SmartCard is ON, the switch is green. If you want to turn your SmartCard OFF, so that it cannot be used, just click on this switch. Your SmartCard cannot be used when it is OFF.

Click the switch again to turn it back ON.

Remember that when you turn off your SmartCard you are not turning off your online enhanced IM account.