Families across Victoria will benefit from a $400 once-off payment to help ease the financial strain of rising living costs, especially in relation to education expenses. .
The initiative, known as the School Saving Bonus, is aimed at assisting parents with the costs associated with preparing their children for the 2025 school year.
This cash boost is designed to alleviate the financial pressures of textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school-related activities, ensuring that children have everything they need to start the school year on the right foot.
Around 700,000 families across the state are set to receive a share of the $280 million allocated to this initiative.
Details of the $400 Cost of Living Cash Boost
The School Saving Bonus will be automatically provided to eligible families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools.
Below are the key aspects of this initiative:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $400 per child |
| Total Fund | $280 million |
| Eligibility | Families with children attending Victorian government schools (Prep to Year 12), excluding full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students |
| Special Criteria | Families with children at non-government schools are eligible if they qualify for the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF) |
| Payment Method | Automatic payment, no application required. Families will receive an email about the payment |
| Validity of Funds | Vouchers are valid until June 30, 2025. Any unspent funds will be transferred to the school account for future activities |
Who is Eligible for the $400 Bonus?
The School Saving Bonus will be available to parents and carers of Victorian government school students from Prep to Year 12 for the 2025 school year.
However, there are certain exclusions to note:
Not Eligible: Full-fee-paying international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
Non-Government School Eligibility: Families with children at non-government schools may still qualify if they are recipients of the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
How Families Can Use the $400 Payment
The payment will give families flexibility in how they choose to spend the money.
Whether it’s for school uniforms, textbooks, or extracurricular activities, the bonus can be used for a variety of school-related expenses.
The $400 per child can be allocated in the following ways:
- Uniforms and Textbooks: Families can use the bonus for vouchers redeemable at local, school-approved suppliers of uniforms and textbooks.
- These vouchers are also accepted at school-operated second-hand stores.
- School Activities: The funds can be used to cover school activities such as camps, excursions, or other extracurricular programs.
- Funds designated for activities will be directly credited to the family’s school account.
In the event that funds remain unspent by the end of the school year, any remaining balance will automatically be transferred to the child’s school account for use in future school-related activities.
No Need to Apply
One of the most convenient aspects of this initiative is that families do not need to apply for the payment.
The School Saving Bonus is being rolled out automatically, and families will be notified by email about the payment.
This makes the process much easier for families already facing financial pressures.
The government has ensured that the bonus is both free and universal, meaning all eligible families will receive it without the need for a formal application.
A Boost for Families During Tough Times
The ongoing cost-of-living pressures have been a concern for many families, especially with the rising costs of education and day-to-day living.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that families deserve access to high-quality education, including necessary resources such as textbooks, uniforms, and school excursions
Minister for Education Ben Carroll echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bonus as a timely relief to ease the financial burden on families.
He remarked that no parent should have to worry about their child missing out on essential school supplies or activities due to financial constraints.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to support families in the state and ensure all children have access to a strong educational foundation.
How to Receive the $400
Eligible families can expect to receive an email from the Department of Education this week, detailing how they can access the $400 per child.
This automatic payment process is designed to ensure that families can start budgeting and planning for the upcoming school year without unnecessary delay.
For families with multiple school-aged children, the bonus is multiplied by the number of eligible children, meaning that a family with three children, for example, would receive $1,200.
