$400 relief for families

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll announced that the $280 million investment will see cost of living pressures relief for around 700,000 Victorian families, helping them plan ahead for the 2025 school year.

“Families want the best for their kids. The best education, the right textbook, a fresh uniform, the camps and excursions they’ll remember forever,” Ms Allan said.

“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.”

The bonus is free, automatic and universal, so parents with children in government schools won’t need to apply.

From Monday, November 25, parents will receive an email to grant them access to the bonus which they will be able to choose they wish to spend it.

The money can go towards a uniform and textbook voucher, or parents can choose to add it to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.

The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved suppliers, including State School Relief, as well as school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops.

These vouchers will be valid until June 30, 2025.

Any leftover funds from the vouchers will automatically be transferred to a family’s school account for future school activities.

Non-government school families will still be able to receive the $400 bonus, but it will be provided directly to each school, and will be managed in consultation with the student’s family and in line with the program.

Non-government school families who are eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (including healthcare and concession cardholders) are also eligible for the School Saving Bonus.

Families will only need to apply for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to receive both.

For more information on the School Saving Bonus, head to vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus