SCHOOL START BONUS
The School Start Bonus provides financial assistance for families of Prep and Year 7 students to help them meet the costs of sending their child to school.
The initiative was introduced by the Victorian Government in 2006. The Bonus is a one-off payment of $300 for each student starting Prep or Year 7 to assist in purchasing school and sports uniforms, school bags and books.
For further information, visit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/lifeatschool/schoolstartfaq.htm
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides assistance to lower income families to help with the costs associated with sending their children to school.
If your child is under 16 years of age and you receive an eligible Centrelink benefit and a Health Care Card or pension card, you may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance from the Victorian Government.
The allowance is split evenly between you and your child’s school. In 2009 the total allowance for a primary school student is $221 and $443 for a secondary school student.
The school’s portion of the allowance is usually spent on textbooks, stationery and school camps for your child. The parent portion can be used to help with meeting other schooling costs such as uniforms or excursions.
You can get an application form and details about deadlines from your school.
New in 2009 you have the option to receive your EMA payments directly into your bank account.
For further information, visit:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/lifeatschool/ema/default.htm
CHILDCARE BENEFIT AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE (FOR OOSH care)
For information about Child Care Benefit and Family Assistance, contact Centrelink: http://www.centrelink.gov.au
EDUCATION TAX REFUND
The Education Tax Refund helps eligible families and independent students meet the cost of primary and secondary school education. For more information see the Australian Tax Office's Education Tax Refund - What You Need to Know web page.
