Victorian families will receive a one-time payment of $400 to help with the cost of living. This payment is called the $400 School Saving Bonus and can be used for school costs in 2025.
About 700,000 families in Victoria will share a total of $280 million. The money is meant to help cover expenses like textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school activities.
Families do not need to apply for the bonus. The government has made it clear that the payment is free, automatic, and universal. This week, families will receive an email with details on how to access the $400 for each child.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated that families want the best for their children, including quality education and proper school supplies. “Our School Saving Bonus helps give kids a great start to the school year and eases some worries for parents,” she said.
Education Minister Ben Carroll added that the cost of living is challenging for many. “No parent wants their child to miss out on essentials. The $400 payment will help families plan and budget for the 2025 school year,” he said.
How do I get the $400 School Saving Bonus?
You do not need to apply for the $400 School Saving Bonus. It is available to parents and carers of every Victorian government school student from Prep to Year 12 in 2025, except for full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
Families with children in non-government schools can receive the payment if they qualify for the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund.
Families will get an email from the Department of Education this week with information about the payment. They can choose how to spend the money. The bonus is available for each child, so if a family has three school-aged kids, they would receive $1,200.
How can I spend the $400 School Saving Bonus?
Families can decide how to use the money. They can get a uniform and textbook voucher or add funds to their school accounts for camps, excursions, and extracurricular activities.
Vouchers can be used at school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds for school activities will be credited to the family’s school account. Vouchers are also redeemable at school-run second-hand uniform and textbook shops.
They will be valid until June 30, 2025. Any unspent money will automatically go into the family’s school account for future school activities.
