The cost of living in Australia keeps going up. The Victorian government has come up with a plan to help families. Today, they announced a $280 million plan to give around 700,000 Victorian families $400 for each child.
This School Saving Bonus is to make school costs easier. It covers things like textbooks, uniforms, camps, and excursions.
Major highlights
- Around 700,000 Victorian families will receive a $400 once-off payment per child.
- The $280 million School Saving Bonus aims to assist with school-related costs such as textbooks, uniforms, camps, and excursions.
- Families with multiple school children could receive up to $1,200 in total to cover expenses.
- The payment is automatic and families do not need to apply for it.
- Families have the flexibility to use the funds for a variety of school-related expenses.
Victorian Government Launches $280 Million School Saving Bonus
The Victorian government has launched a $280 million School Saving Bonus program. It aims to help families with the cost-of-living and school expenses. This program will support around 700,000 households in the state.
Details of the Payment Program
The School Saving Bonus gives a one-time payment of $400 for each school-aged child. This includes students from Prep to Year 12 in Victorian government schools. For example, families with three children will get $1,200 to help with school costs.
Families can use the vouchers for uniforms and textbooks until June 30, 2025. This gives them plenty of time to use the financial help.
Eligibility Requirements for Families
- Families with children in Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12 get $400 per child.
- Those with children in non-government schools in Victoria can get help if they qualify for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
- Full-fee paying international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students are not eligible.
This financial package shows the Victorian Government’s commitment to families. It ensures children have the educational resources they need, no matter their family’s income.
$400 cost-of-living cash boost: How Families Can Access Their Payment
Good news for Australian families – the $400 cost-of-living cash boost is now available! This household assistance payment or inflation relief payment will help over 700,000 Aussies. It’s designed to ease the financial strain of the current economic climate.
The best part? The process is completely automatic – you don’t need to apply for this payment. Families will receive an email from the Department of Education this week. It will have all the details on how to access their funds.
When it comes to using the $400, the choice is yours. You can opt to receive vouchers for school uniforms and textbooks. Or you can add the money directly to your child’s school account. This can cover costs like camps, excursions, and extra-curricular activities. The vouchers can be redeemed at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers.
“This payment is a game-changer for families struggling with the rising cost of living. It gives us the flexibility to prioritize where the funds are needed most, whether that’s essential school supplies or enriching extracurricular experiences.”
So, keep an eye out for that email from the Department of Education, and get ready to make the most of this valuable household assistance payment. With the school year in full swing, this inflation relief payment couldn’t have come at a better time.

Multiple Benefits for Families with Multiple School Children
The $400 living expenses subsidy from the Victorian Government is not just for one child. It’s for each eligible child. This means families with many school-age kids can get a lot of help with school costs.
A family with three school-aged kids gets $1,200. This helps with uniforms, textbooks, and school activities. It’s a big help for families, making their budget easier to manage.
Payment Distribution Process
The best thing is, you don’t have to apply for it. The Department of Education will contact eligible families soon. They’ll tell you how to get the money.
Automatic Payment Features
- Any leftover vouchers go straight to your school account. This way, you get the full $400 benefit.
- Families with kids at non-government schools can get it too. If they’re eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2024.
- Schools will let everyone know about the School Saving Bonus. This makes it simple for families to get the help they need.
The Victorian Government is really trying to help families. They want to make it easier for kids to go to school. With the living expenses subsidy and the cost-of-living supplement, they’re showing they care.
Flexible Spending Options for School Expenses
The Victorian Government has set aside $280 million to help families with school costs. This money can be used for many things like uniforms, textbooks, and activities. Parents can choose how to use it best for their family.
The government has teamed up with online stores to make it easy to buy uniforms and textbooks. Families can use special vouchers at these stores. It’s a simple and convenient way to get what they need.
For things like camps and sports, the money goes straight to the school account. This makes it easier for schools to handle these costs. Parents can then focus on supporting their kids in school and outside activities.
This bonus gives families the freedom to manage their school costs and educational expenses as they see fit. It helps reduce the financial stress on families. The Victorian Government wants to support families in giving their children the best possible start.

“This school saving bonus is a game-changer for families, allowing them to prioritize their specific educational needs and ensure their children have access to the resources they require to succeed.”
Non-Government School Students and Payment Access
The $400 School Saving Bonus is mainly for families with kids in government schools. But, the Victorian Government also helps non-government school students. Schools will get the money and work with families to use it.
Special Provisions for Different School Types
Non-government school students can get the bonus if they meet certain conditions. This includes students in independent and Catholic schools. The government wants to help more families by linking the bonus to the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund Integration
The Victorian Government has joined the $400 School Saving Bonus with the CSEF. This makes it easier for non-government school students to get help. Families will find it simpler to get school financial assistance and education cost relief.
“The $400 School Saving Bonus will provide much-needed relief to families across Victoria, including those with children in non-government schools. By aligning this support with the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, we’re ensuring that all students can benefit from this important education cost relief initiative.”
Supporting Educational Essentials and Extra-Curricular Activities
The Victorian Government has set aside $280 million for the School Saving Bonus. This helps families with the cost of school items like textbooks and uniforms. It also supports extra activities like camps and excursions.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the bonus is to help kids start school well and ease parents’ financial worries. It covers both basic school needs and extra learning experiences.
About 700,000 Victorian families will get a $400 cash boost per child for 2025. A family with three kids could get $1,200 to help with school costs.
Families can use the bonus as they see fit. They can buy uniforms and textbooks or put it towards school activities, camps, and more.
“The School Saving Bonus helps give children a great start to the school year while easing financial pressure on parents. It recognises the importance of both core educational materials and additional learning experiences.”
This plan helps all Victorian students, no matter their school type. It ensures they have what they need to do well in school and beyond.

The Victorian Government’s support shows its dedication to families and better education in the state.
Important Deadlines and Voucher Redemption Process
Families will get vouchers for school items like uniforms and textbooks. These vouchers are good until June 30 of the next year. This gives families plenty of time to use the bonus for the 2025 school year.
To use the vouchers, families can go to local or approved online stores. Just show the voucher when you buy something, and the store will take the voucher’s value off the price. If there’s money left, it will go to your school account.
I urge all eligible families to use this school cost help. Knowing when and how to use the vouchers can really help your kids in school and with activities next year.