The cost of living in Australia has been a rising concern for many families, prompting the New South Wales (NSW) state government to take proactive measures to ease the financial burden. With only a few weeks remaining for applications, the Active and Creative Kids vouchers provide financial assistance to eligible families, making it an important time for parents, guardians, and carers to claim this valuable support.
These vouchers, worth $50 each, are available twice a year to help cover the costs of children’s involvement in sports, creative arts, and cultural activities. For qualifying families, the vouchers offer much-needed relief, enabling children to engage in a wide variety of enriching extracurricular experiences.
In 2024, around 600,000 children across NSW are eligible to benefit from these vouchers, with an annual funding pool of $28 million. However, this year, the program has been means-tested, meaning that only families receiving the Family Tax Benefit can apply. The initiative is designed to assist those facing financial challenges, ensuring that children can participate in activities that foster their development, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Key Dates and Eligibility for the $100 Voucher
To make the most of the available support, it’s important to know the key dates and eligibility criteria for the vouchers:
- Voucher 1: Available since Term 1, 2024. Applications must be submitted and used by December 31, 2024. If you haven’t used this voucher yet, you can still apply for Voucher 2 and combine both to receive a total of $100.
- Voucher 2: Available since Term 3, 2024. Must be used by July 14, 2025. Families can apply for both vouchers at the same time and use them together for a combined value of $100 before the end of the year.
How to Apply for the $100 Active and Creative Kids Voucher
Claiming the voucher is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria. Here’s how to access the support:
- Ensure you meet the requirements, specifically that you are receiving the Family Tax Benefit (Part A or B) and are a resident of NSW.
- Create an account on the Service NSW website if you don’t have one already. This will allow you to apply for the voucher online.
- Log in to your account on the Service NSW website.
- Find the Active and Creative Kids Voucher section and complete the online application form with your personal details and your child’s information, including age and the activities they wish to join.
- Upload the required documents, such as your Centrelink CRN, Medicare card details, and identification for both you and your child.
- Review the application to ensure all information is accurate.
- Submit the application for review. You will receive confirmation once the voucher is approved.
- Once you receive the voucher, you can use it at any registered activity provider for eligible activities.
Eligible Activities for the Voucher
The Active and Creative Kids voucher can only be redeemed with registered activity providers and is applicable to a wide range of extracurricular activities that promote physical, creative, and cultural development. These include:
- Sports: Soccer, rugby, tennis, gymnastics, basketball, netball, yoga, and martial arts.
- Creative Arts: Dance, music, drama, visual arts (painting, drawing), choreography, circus arts, creative writing, and coding.
- Cultural Engagement: Activities such as learning languages, singing, and other cultural expressions.
Please note that the voucher must be used in full at one registered provider for a single activity; it cannot be split across multiple providers.
As the deadline for Voucher 1 approaches, families should act quickly to secure their $50 Active and Creative Kids voucher. This program offers significant assistance to eligible families in NSW, allowing children to explore a range of extracurricular activities that enhance their physical, mental, and creative development.
With $28 million allocated each year for this initiative, the NSW government is making a considerable effort to alleviate the financial pressure on families, especially those with lower incomes. If you qualify, don’t miss this chance to enrich your child’s life, help them discover new interests, and provide them with opportunities to improve their skills and enjoy a higher quality of life.
