One-off $400 payment to benefit students

THE Victorian Government’s $280 million School Saving Bonus program has been rolled out with approximately 700,000 families guaranteed to receive a one-off payment of $400 per child currently studying.

Parents with children at a government school don’t need to apply for the bonus and can choose between a uniform or textbook voucher, or alternatively add money to their school account for camps, excursions and other extracurricular activities.

Vouchers for uniforms and textbooks are valid until 30 June 2025 and are redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, as well as school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops.

For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school to be managed in consultation with their students’ families.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said under the current cost of living crisis, no Victorian parent or carer wants to think about their child missing out on the essentials such as school uniforms and textbooks, camps, excursions and school sports.

“We’re making life a little bit easier for families so (they) can begin planning and budgeting for the 2025 school year,” he said.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the School Saving Bonus is helping give kids a great start to the school year and taking some pressure off parents and carers.

“The best education, the right textbook, a fresh uniform, the camps and excursions they’ll remember forever,” she said.

Further information about the bonus is available on the State Government website.