Dear parents and carers,

You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.

This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025.

It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025.

Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms.

Existing supports

The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports for camps, sports, excursions and uniforms.

The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.

There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.

Kind regards,

Christian Holdsworth

CSEF

Please see the attached financial information regarding those families who have a Centrelink or Health Care Card. If you do, please fill out this application form and return it to the office with a copy of your card. Parents who have been receiving CSEF will also need to fill out a new form for 2024 and return to the office. Please see the information sheet for eligibility criteria.

Saver PlusUS

Join Australia's longest running financial education and matched savings program. Build financial skills, develop life-long savings habits, and receive up to $500 to assist with education costs.

Contact us on 1300 610 355 or saverplus@thesmithfamily.com.au

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WHAT IS SAVER PLUS

Free 10 month saving program

Learn to save regularly to develop lasting savings habits

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Savings tips, Budgeting skills, Goal setting, Needs vs wants, Banking, Superannuation, Debt and Credit cards

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Through community organisations across Australia in every state and territory

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SAVER PLUS

You must have all of the following:

A Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card AND an eligible Centrelink payment*
Have a child in school (can be starting school next year) OR be studying yourself
Have regular income from work (either yourself or your partner)*
Be 18+ years old

* Many types of income and Centrelink payments are eligible, see the Saver Plus terms and conditions for more information.

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