Australia’s $400 Cost of Living Payment – Here’s How to Claim Yours

To ease the rising costs of living and education, families across Victoria are set to benefit from a $400 School Saving Bonus per child. This initiative, aimed at preparing students for the 2025 school year, provides much-needed financial support for essential school-related expenses like uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities. With $280 million allocated, the program is set to assist approximately 700,000 families across the state.

$400 Bonus

Here are the essential aspects of the School Saving Bonus:

Aspect	Details
Amount	$400 per child
Total Fund	$280 million
Eligibility	Victorian government school students (Prep to Year 12); CSEF recipients at non-government schools.
Exclusions	Full-fee international students, home-schooled students, TAFE students.
Payment Method	Automatic payment; no application required. Families notified via email.
Validity	Funds must be used by June 30, 2025; unspent amounts transfer to school accounts.

Eligibility

The bonus is designed for parents and carers of students attending Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12.

Who is Eligible?

• Families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools.
• Families with children in non-government schools, if they qualify for the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF).

Who is Not Eligible?

• Full-fee-paying international students.
• Home-schooled students.
• TAFE students.

Use the Bonus

The School Saving Bonus offers flexibility, allowing families to decide how to allocate the funds to meet their specific needs.

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Suggested Uses

Expense	Details
Uniforms and Textbooks	Families can redeem vouchers at school-approved suppliers or second-hand school stores.
School Activities	Funds can cover extracurricular activities like camps, excursions, or other school programs.

If funds are not fully used by the end of the school year, any remaining amount will be credited to the child’s school account for future use.

Payment

The government has streamlined the process for families, ensuring accessibility without additional effort:

1. Automatic Payment: Eligible families do not need to apply.
2. Notification: Families will receive an email from the Department of Education with payment details.
3. Multiple Children: Families with more than one child will receive the bonus for each child, e.g., $1,200 for three eligible children.

Financial Pressure

The rising cost of education, compounded by general living expenses, has placed a significant financial burden on many families. The School Saving Bonus is intended to:

• Ensure all students have the resources they need for a successful school year.
• Support parents with essential school-related expenses.
• Provide timely financial relief amid cost-of-living challenges.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has emphasized the importance of this initiative, affirming that all children deserve access to quality education without financial barriers. Minister for Education Ben Carroll echoed this sentiment, highlighting that no parent should have to worry about their child missing out due to financial constraints.

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The $400 School Saving Bonus is a timely intervention to help Victorian families manage the costs associated with education. With automatic payments and flexible usage options, this initiative ensures that children have the tools and opportunities they need for a strong educational foundation. Families are encouraged to keep an eye out for communication from the Department of Education and plan their budgets accordingly.

FAQs