The Allan Labor government is delivering cost-of-living relief for Victorian families, saving more than $13 million in back-to-school costs just one week since the launch of the School Saving Bonus.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll has announced that the School Saving Bonus has raced to an impressive milestone as it delivers $400 in support to families in Victoria.
As of Monday, parents and carers have saved more than $13.05 million, for school uniforms, textbooks and school activities. Around 46 per cent has been put towards school activities, with more than 28 per cent for uniforms, and more than 25 per cent for textbooks.
About 700,000 families have now received an email about the cost-of-living relief scheme, which helps to manage school costs. The Bonus applies to each child, so a family with three school children receives $1,200 in support to help cover school costs.
The voucher for uniforms and textbooks is redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds for school activities are 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 are also redeemable at school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops. Textbook and uniform vouchers are valid until 30 June 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.
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 need only to apply for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to receive both types of support.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"It's great to see so many families taking up this cost-of-living support so quickly."
"We're making life a little bit easier for families by providing a $400 once-off payment so that families can have peace of mind as they plan and budget for the 2025 school year."
