Classroom essentials not covered in one-off cost-of-living payment.

 

Thousands of Victorian school parents will be able to claim a one-off $400 cost-of-living bonus to cover expenses for their children but stationery items are not included. 

 

The School Saving Bonus, first announced in the state budget, will roll out to parents in the coming weeks.

 

The $400 School Saving Bonus will be paid to every Victorian government school student from Prep to Year 12 in 2025, along with eligible students at non-government schools. 

 

Families can put the payment towards 2025 school costs, including camps, trips and excursions, swimming and sporting, school uniforms, textbooks, graduations and outdoor education programs but not stationery items nor classroom and homework materials.

 

The bonus cannot be used for purchases at general retailers (for example, Kmart, Big W, Best & Less) or to support transactions between individuals.

 

The bonus is not cash, rather it will be paid in the form of a voucher.

 

Vouchers for uniforms and books will be redeemable at a school-approved uniform or textbook supplier, or through State Schools' Relief, while funds put towards school activities will be managed through the school.

 

The NSW Government has chosen not to run its Back-to-School Vouchers program for 2024.