Families just want the best for their kids, but with cost-of-living rising, school uniforms, camps, sports – the other things that make school fun – it all adds up.

The new one-off School Saving Bonus gives families of school kids one less thing to worry about and makes life that little bit easier.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 delivers the School Saving Bonus as part of a $287 million package – providing $400 in support for every child at government schools, and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools.

How families will receive the School Saving Bonus

The Bonus will be provided during Term 4 of this year, making sure families have time to plan and budget for the 2025 school year ahead. 

Families will receive a credit on their school family account to help meet the cost of activities and uniforms. Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. 

More guidance on implementation will be provided to schools and families in Term 3. This information will be translated into 14 languages.

Eligibility

The School Saving Bonus is available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a government school in 2025. For non-government schools, families eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, including healthcare and concession card holders, will also be eligible for the additional $400 support. 

If your child attends a government school, you do not need to apply or do anything to receive the School Saving Bonus; the funds will be provided to your child’s school.

If you are a parent or carer of more than one child, you will receive the $400 School Saving Bonus credit for each child.

The application process for non-government schools will be the same as the existing Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.