As the cost of living continues to rise, the Victorian government is offering a one-time financial relief to families with children enrolled in government schools. The School Saving Bonus is a $400 payment aimed at easing the financial strain on parents, especially in relation to education costs for the upcoming 2025 school year. This initiative will directly assist families with school-related expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, camps, and excursions.
Details of the $400 Cost of Living Cash Boost
The School Saving Bonus will provide $400 per child to families with children attending Victorian government schools. A total of $280 million has been allocated to this initiative, which will benefit around 700,000 families. Here’s a breakdown of the initiative:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $400 per child |
| Total Fund | $280 million |
| Eligibility | Families with children in Victorian government schools (Prep to Year 12) |
| Payment Method | Automatic payment, no application required |
| Special Criteria | Families with children at non-government schools may qualify if eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) |
| Validity | Vouchers valid until June 30, 2025 |
Who is Eligible for the $400 Bonus?
The bonus is available to families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12. However, there are some exclusions:
- Ineligible students: Full-fee-paying international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
- Non-Government Schools: Families whose children attend 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 $400 bonus provides families with the flexibility to use the funds as they see fit for school-related expenses. Some common uses include:
- Uniforms and Textbooks: Vouchers can be used at local, school-approved suppliers for uniforms and textbooks. The vouchers can also be used at second-hand stores operated by schools.
- School Activities: The bonus can cover costs for extracurricular activities, including camps and excursions. The funds will be credited directly to the family’s school account for these activities.
If any funds remain unspent by the end of the school year, they will automatically be transferred to the child’s school account for future use.
No Need to Apply
One of the most convenient aspects of this initiative is that families do not need to submit an application. The School Saving Bonus will be automatically distributed to eligible families. A notification email will be sent to inform families about the payment, making it easier for them to plan for the upcoming school year without additional paperwork.
A Boost for Families During Tough Times
The ongoing cost-of-living pressures have been challenging for many families, particularly when it comes to education-related expenses. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized that no child should miss out on essential school supplies or activities due to financial limitations. Minister for Education Ben Carroll echoed this sentiment, stating that the bonus is a timely measure to provide relief and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.
How to Receive the $400
Eligible families will receive an email from the Department of Education with instructions on how to access the $400 payment per child. Families with multiple school-aged children will receive the bonus multiplied by the number of eligible children. For example, a family with three children would receive a total of $1,200.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to supporting families and ensuring all children in Victoria have the resources they need to succeed in school.
