Victorian families have already saved more than $1.2 million in back-to-school costs – hitting the milestone just one day after the School Saving Bonus began rolling out.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced as of Tuesday, the cost-of-living relief scheme has helped Victorian families save more than $1.2 million.
The scheme delivers $400 to support families for every child who attends a Victorian government school. Almost 60 per cent will be used for school activities, and around 20 per cent towards uniforms and textbooks each.
Parents or carers of 700,000 students will receive an email granting them access to the scheme this week. They can use the Bonus to manage the cost of textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions and other school activities.
The Bonus applies to each child, so a family with three school children will receive $1,200 in support to help cover school costs.
The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds allocated to activities will be credited to the family’s school account.
Families can purchase uniforms and textbooks in-person or online depending on their school-approved suppliers, and it includes State School Relief, which offers items such as shoes, swimwear and workwear for VCE Vocational Major students.
Vouchers will also be redeemable at school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops. Textbook and uniform vouchers will be 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.
For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school – to be managed in consultation with the student's family and in line with the intent of the program.
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 will only need 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.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“We know the cost of living is tough right now so it’s great to see families immediately taking up this support.”
“We’re making life a little bit easier for families by providing a $400 once-off payment so that families can begin planning and budgeting for the 2025 school year.”
Media contact: Grace Cramer 0447 913 851 | grace.cramer@minstaff.vic.gov.au