PARENTS of school children will get a financial boost from this week, with the School Saving Bonus hitting bank accounts.
Families will be able to access the $400 per child payment, helping them with the cost of textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school activities.
The $280 million Victorian Government investment will give relief to about 700,000 families in time for the 2025 school year.
Parents with children at a government school won’t need to apply for their bonus, with payments automatic and universal.
Families will receive an email giving them access to their $400 per child.
Families will be able to choose how they allocate their funds, whether that’s a uniform and textbook voucher – or adding money to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.
The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds allocated to activities will be credited to the family’s school account.
Families can purchase uniforms and textbooks in-person or online through school-approved suppliers, including State School Relief, which offers items such as shoes, swimwear and workwear for VCE Vocational Major students.
Vouchers will also be redeemable at school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops. Textbook and uniform vouchers will be valid until June 30, 2025.
Unspent funds will automatically transfer to a family’s school account once the uniform and textbook voucher period expires, with parents able to use the remaining funds on future school activities.
For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school – to be managed in consultation with the student’s family and in line with the intent of the program.
Non-government school families who are eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (including healthcare and concession card holders) are also eligible for the School Saving Bonus. Families will only need to apply for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to receive both types of support.
Premier Jacinta Allan said families want the best for their children, and the best education, the right textbook, a fresh uniform, the camps and excursions “they’ll remember forever”.
“It’s why our School Saving Bonus is helping give kids a great start to the school year – and their parents one less thing to worry about,” Ms Allan said.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.
