How to Get the Kids School Bonus

Get the particulars on the government’s Schoolkids Bonus payment allowance and see if your family qualifies.

It’s no secret that raising kids can be costly and any financial assistance provided to parents is welcomed, especially if on a low income. You can do all the right things with budgeting and saving for school expenses but it never seems to be enough. Luckily there are programs like the Schoolkids Bonus which can assist with family budgets.

Eligibility basics include the parent or primary carer receiving Family Tax Benefit A for a child in primary or secondary.  In addition, as of Jan 1 2015 you must satisfy an income test (earning <$100k). For full detail on all eligibility scenarios visit here.

How much can you receive under this scheme?
Primary school kids receive a total of $422 and this is paid in two instalments or $211. Secondary school students also receive two payments but at a higher rate of $421 totalling $842. This is a generous amount of money per child to help with the never ending list of school needs.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties beyond any grants or benefits and need help with unexpected household expenses. There are other financial options to assist with repairing a vehicle or replacing household appliances – Learn more here.

 
How do I receive payment?
The Schoolkids bonus is paid in January and in July and is determined by whatever type of government payment you are already receiving whether that be a lump sum or fortnightly payments.

Depending on your situation you can also change how payment is received by logging in to your online Centrelink account or contact a Centrelink representative over the phone.

What is the future of the Schoolkids Bonus program?
It was widely publicised that the program would be scrapped by the current coalition government. However in a deal to scrap the Mining Tax, the coalition government agreed to delay the closure of the program and it will run through the 2016 calendar year.

If you have been receiving and depending on this money in past years, now is the time to start thinking about how you will get by once the program is scrapped. Whilst no one can tell what may happen in the future, as it stands the program is set to close so planning for the future will prepare you and your family for eventual cuts.

Maximise your savings and family budget by learning about additional grants, loans and benefits.