Starting today, hundreds of thousands of Victorian families will get a one-time payment of $400 per child to help with school expenses for 2025. This School Saving Bonus is designed to ease the financial pressure of buying uniforms, textbooks, and paying for camps. The Victorian government has allocated $280 million for this initiative, which will benefit around 700,000 families as they deal with the rising cost of living.
How the Automatic Payment Works
The great news for families is that this payment requires no action on their part. The government has made the School Saving Bonus free, automatic, and universal for all eligible students. This means you do not need to fill out any forms or applications to receive the money.
Families will be contacted directly with instructions. The process is designed to be simple and fast, getting the funds to parents quickly so they can plan for the new school year.
- Notification: Eligible parents and carers will receive an email this week from the Department of Education.
- Details: The email will explain how to access the $400 bonus for each child.
- Allocation: The payment is per child, so a family with two eligible children will receive $800.
This streamlined approach removes the usual hassle of government support programs, ensuring the money gets where it’s needed without delay.
Flexible Ways to Spend Your School Bonus
One of the key features of the School Saving Bonus is its flexibility. Families can decide how best to use the funds based on their specific needs for the 2025 school year. The money is not restricted to a single type of purchase, providing real and practical help.
Parents can choose to use the bonus for a variety of essential school costs. This ensures that whether a child needs a new blazer or money for an upcoming excursion, the bonus can cover it. Any unspent funds by June 30, 2025, will automatically transfer to the family’s school account, so nothing goes to waste.
| Spending Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Uniform and Textbook Vouchers | Redeemable at school-approved suppliers and second-hand shops. |
| School Activities Funds | Can be credited directly to the school account for camps, sports, and excursions. |
Who is Eligible for the $400 Payment?
Understanding the eligibility criteria is simple. The bonus is intended for the vast majority of families with children in the state’s public education system.
The main group eligible are parents and carers of children attending a Victorian government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025. However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of.
- Who Qualifies: All students in Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12.
- Who is Excluded: The bonus does not apply to full-fee international students, home-schooled students, or those attending TAFE.
- Non-Government Schools: Families with children in non-government schools may still be eligible if they qualify for the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund.
Government Leaders on Easing Family Pressures
Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the bonus is about giving kids a great start to the school year and taking a worry off parents’ minds. She highlighted that the payment helps families afford essential items like the right textbooks and fresh uniforms.
Education Minister Ben Carroll added that the government is focused on making life easier for families. “No parent should have to worry about their child missing out on essential school resources,” Carroll explained. The one-time payment is a practical measure to help families budget for 2025 amid rising living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the School Saving Bonus
Do I need to apply for the $400 School Saving Bonus?
No, you do not need to apply. The payment is automatic for all eligible families. The Department of Education will email you with instructions on how to access the funds.
What if I have more than one child in a government school?
You will receive $400 for each eligible child. For example, if you have three children in a Victorian government school, you will receive a total of $1,200.
What can I use the $400 bonus for?
The funds are flexible and can be used for various school-related expenses. This includes uniforms, textbooks, camps, excursions, and other extracurricular activities organized by the school.
What happens if I don’t use all the money by the deadline?
Any funds that are not spent by June 30, 2025, will be automatically credited to your child’s school account. This money can then be used for future school-related costs.
Are children in private or independent schools eligible?
Generally, the bonus is for students in government schools. However, families at non-government schools can receive the bonus if they are eligible for and receive the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
