An unemployed father of three from Bundaberg says the inability to withdraw money once he is given a cashless welfare card in lieu of Centrelink payments will prevent him from providing properly for his family and visiting relatives interstate.

The government started handing out e-welfare cards in parts of the country yesterday, giving those most in need a fixed allowance for expenses ranging from daily necessities to educational materials.

Controversial cashless welfare cards will be rolled out across the Wide Bay region from next year, with Bundaberg the first urban area in the country to get the scheme.