The Victorian government has introduced the School Saving Bonus This initiative will provide $400 per child to help cover the increasing costs of preparing for the 2025 school year The goal is to support parents with expenses such as school uniforms, textbooks, camps, excursions, and other related activities, ensuring that every child starts the school year equipped with the resources they need.
Details of the $400 Cost of Living Cash Boost
The $400 School Saving Bonus is part of a larger $280 million initiative aimed at supporting 700,000 families across Victoria The payment will be automatically issued to eligible families with children attending government schools, covering students from Prep to Year 12 This initiative is designed to reduce the strain of rising living costs and education-related expenses.
Who is Eligible for the $400 Bonus?
To be eligible for the $400 payment, families must have children enrolled in Victorian government schools Key points to note about eligibility are.
Eligible Parents and carers of students from Prep to Year 12 in Victorian government schools.
Not Eligible Full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
Non-Government Schools Families with children at non-government schools can qualify if they are Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF) recipients.
How Families Can Use the $400 Payment
The $400 payment provides families with flexibility in how they spend the funds.
School Uniforms and Textbooks The bonus can be redeemed at school-approved suppliers for uniforms and textbooks Vouchers can also be used at school-operated second-hand stores.
School Activities The funds can cover extracurricular activities, including camps and excursions Any funds allocated for activities will be credited directly to the family’s school account.
Unspent Funds Any remaining balance by the end of the school year will be transferred to the school account for use in future activities.
No Need to Apply
One of the key benefits of the School Saving Bonus is that families do not need to apply The payment will be automatically provided, and eligible families will receive an email notification with instructions on how to access the funds This hassle-free process makes it easier for families to manage their finances without additional paperwork.
A Boost for Families During Tough Times
The School Saving Bonus comes as a timely relief for families facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures With the rising costs of education and daily expenses, the initiative aims to ease the financial burden, ensuring that no child misses out on important educational experiences or resources due to financial constraints.
Premier Jacinta Allan has emphasized that all families should have access to high-quality education, including essential supplies like textbooks and uniforms, without the worry of financial hardship Minister for Education Ben Carroll echoed these sentiments, noting that the $400 bonus would provide essential support for families and ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive.
How to Receive the $400
Eligible families will be contacted via email by the Department of Education with details on how to access the $400 per child The bonus will be automatic, ensuring that families can begin planning for the 2025 school year without delay.
Families with multiple children will receive a payment for each eligible child For example, a family with three eligible children will receive $1,200 in total.
This initiative is a vital step in supporting Victorian families during challenging times, helping ensure that every child starts the school year prepared and equipped for success.
