Welfare recipients facing five-month delays to exit cashless debit card scheme

Data shows that of the 859 application lodged since September, only 30 have been accepted

A cashless debit card opt out" scheme introduced last year to allow people to exit the controversial program has been plagued by long delays, leaving participants trapped on income management.

Data provided to the Senate estimates process reveals the Department of Social Services is taking an average of five months to process claims from participants proving they are financially responsible.