To help ease the financial strain caused by rising living costs, particularly with education expenses, families across Victoria are set to benefit from a $400 one-time payment. This initiative, known as the School Saving Bonus, is designed to assist parents in covering the costs associated with preparing their children for the 2025 school year.
This financial support aims to reduce the burden of school-related expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other necessary activities, ensuring children are fully equipped for the start of the school year. The Victorian government has allocated $280 million for this initiative, which will reach around 700,000 families across the state.
Details of the $400 Cost of Living Cash Boost
The School Saving Bonus is an automatic payment provided to eligible families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools. Here are the key details of the initiative:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $400 per child |
| Total Fund | $280 million |
| Eligibility | Families with children in government schools (Prep to Year 12), excluding full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students. |
| Special Criteria | Families with children in non-government schools may qualify if they receive the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF). |
| Payment Method | Automatic payment, no application required. Families will receive an email notification. |
| Validity of Funds | Vouchers are valid until June 30, 2025. Any unspent funds will be transferred to the school for future activities. |
Who is Eligible for the $400 Bonus?
The School Saving Bonus is available to parents and guardians of students attending Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12 for the 2025 school year. However, there are some exclusions:
- Not Eligible: Full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
- Non-Government Schools: Families with children at non-government schools may still be eligible if they qualify for the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
How Families Can Use the $400 Payment
The $400 payment offers families flexibility in how it can be spent. It can be used for various school-related expenses, including:
- Uniforms and Textbooks: The bonus can be redeemed at local, school-approved suppliers for uniforms and textbooks. It’s also accepted at school-operated second-hand stores.
- School Activities: The funds can be applied toward school activities such as camps, excursions, and extracurricular programs. For these activities, funds will be credited directly to the family’s school account.
If any funds remain unspent by the end of the school year, the balance will be automatically transferred to the school’s account for use in future school-related activities.
No Application Required
One of the best features of the School Saving Bonus is that no application is needed. The payment will be issued automatically, and families will be notified via email. This streamlined process makes it easier for families already managing financial pressures to access the support they need.
A Boost for Families in Challenging Times
With the rising costs of living, especially in relation to education, this initiative comes at a crucial time. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has emphasized the importance of this financial support, noting that all families should have access to quality education, including essential resources like textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.
Education Minister Ben Carroll also praised the bonus, calling it a timely intervention to ease the financial strain on families. He stressed that no parent should have to worry about their child missing out on essential school supplies or experiences due to financial constraints. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to support families and ensure all children can access a solid educational foundation.
How to Receive the $400
Eligible families can expect to receive an email from the Department of Education this week with details on how to access the $400 per child. This automatic payment process ensures that families can begin budgeting for the upcoming school year without delay.
For families with multiple school-aged children, the bonus is multiplied for each eligible child. For example, a family with three children would receive $1,200 in total.
