Aussies Can Claim $100 Cash Vouchers, Check Eligibility and How to Apply

Published On: 26/01/2025

In response to the growing cost of living in Australia, particularly in New South Wales (NSW), the state government has introduced the Active and Creative Kids vouchers to help ease the financial burden on families. This initiative provides families with financial support to cover the cost of their children’s involvement in sports, creative, and cultural activities. As the application deadline approaches, it’s essential for parents, guardians, and carers to take advantage of this opportunity to access support.

Overview of the Active and Creative Kids Vouchers

Each eligible family can claim a $50 voucher twice a year to help offset the cost of extracurricular activities. These activities cover a broad spectrum, including sports, creative arts, and cultural engagement. With about 600,000 children in NSW eligible for this program in 2024, a total of $28 million in funding is allocated to support these children.

In 2024, the vouchers have been means-tested, which means they are now available exclusively to families receiving the Family Tax Benefit. This change ensures that the support reaches those who need it the most, helping to ensure all children, regardless of their financial situation, can benefit from extracurricular experiences.

Voucher Details: Important Dates and Eligibility

The vouchers are available in two terms each year. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates and eligibility details:

Voucher 1:

Available from Term 1, 2024.
Must be applied for and used by December 31, 2024.
If you haven’t used this voucher yet, you can still apply for Voucher 2 and combine both vouchers for a total value of $100.

Voucher 2:

Available from Term 3, 2024.
Must be used by July 14, 2025.
Families can apply for both vouchers simultaneously, giving them a combined value of $100 to use before the end of the year.

To be eligible, families must meet the following requirements:

Be residents of NSW.
Receive Family Tax Benefit (Part A or B).
Have a Service NSW account to apply online.

How to Claim the $100 Active and Creative Kids Voucher

Claiming the Active and Creative Kids voucher is a straightforward process:

Ensure Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria (Family Tax Benefit recipient and NSW resident).
Create an Account: Set up an account on the Service NSW website if you don’t already have one.
Apply Online: Log in to your Service NSW account and complete the application for the voucher. You’ll need to provide personal and child’s details, along with information on the eligible activity.
Submit Documentation: Upload required documents such as your Centrelink CRN, Medicare card, and identity documents for both you and your child.
Approval Process: After submitting the application, wait for approval. Once the voucher is approved, you will receive confirmation.
Use the Voucher: Redeem the voucher at any registered activity provider for eligible activities.

Where Can the Voucher Be Used?

The vouchers are redeemable only with registered activity providers that offer eligible activities. Some examples of activities include:

Sports: Soccer, rugby, gymnastics, tennis, yoga, basketball, and martial arts.
Creative Arts: Dance, drama, visual arts (painting and drawing), music, creative writing, and coding.
Cultural Engagement: Activities like languages, singing, and other cultural experiences.

Note that the voucher must be used in full with one provider. It cannot be split across multiple providers.

Conclusion

The Active and Creative Kids voucher program is an excellent opportunity for eligible families in NSW to provide their children with access to a variety of enriching extracurricular activities. By offering financial support, the state government is helping alleviate the financial strain on families and allowing children to engage in sports, creative arts, and cultural activities that contribute to their overall development.

With $28 million allocated annually to this program, it’s clear that the NSW government is committed to providing valuable resources to families in need. If you meet the eligibility criteria, make sure to claim your voucher before the deadline and give your child the opportunity to explore new interests and develop essential skills.