Victorian families to get $400 per child for school costs

“We’re making life a little bit easier for families by providing a $400 once-off payment from today”

Feeling the pinch of rising costs? Here’s some great news for Victorian parents – the government is stepping in to help with school expenses.

Starting from the end of November, families will receive up to $400 per child to make back-to-school prep a little easier.

The $400 School Saving Bonus, part of a $280 million cost-of-living package, will support around 700,000 families across the state.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen announced the program, promising it’s “free, automatic, and universal,” so parents can focus on what really matters – getting their kids set for the new school year.

How families can use the $400 bonus

Parents can decide how to allocate the bonus, which includes:

• Uniforms and textbooks: Redeem vouchers at approved suppliers, including second-hand shops.
• School activities: Add funds to your child’s school account for camps, excursions, or extracurricular programs.

Families with more than one child will receive $400 per child. For example, a family with three kids could save up to $1,200. Unused textbook and uniform vouchers will automatically convert to school account credits after June 30, 2025, ensuring families can use every dollar to support their children.

Non-government schools will get the $400 bonus directly and work with families to use it as intended.

Why this bonus matters

Education Minister Ben Carroll highlighted how the program helps take the financial pressure off families.

“With the cost of living is biting, no parent or carer wants to think about their child missing out on the essentials like school uniforms and textbooks, camps, excursions and school sports,” he said.

“We’re making life a little bit easier for families by providing a $400 once-off payment from today so that families can begin planning and budgeting for the 2025 school year.”

Addressing education challenges

While this bonus helps for now, the education system still has some big challenges. A recent report found:

• A shortfall of over 5,000 teachers expected by 2028, especially in secondary schools.
• Uneven access to resources for students in regional Victoria.
• Concerns over overcrowded curriculums that need streamlining.

The report called on the Department of Education to improve teacher recruitment and review school zoning to ensure fair access for all students.

For now, Victorian families can use the $400 bonus to get their kids ready for school and take a bit of pressure off the budget.