Schoolkids Bonus cash arrives from today

From today the first payment of the Schoolkids Bonus will be delivered straight into the bank accounts of 1.3 million families.

It will help lighten the load for families with back-to-school costs at the time when they need it most.

The Schoolkids Bonus helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.

Each year eligible families will receive up to $410 for each child in primary school and up to $820 a year for each high school student. The Bonus is paid in two instalments – in January and July.

Unlike the old Education Tax Refund, families no longer have to collect a pile of receipts or fill out extra paperwork at tax time to receive the Schoolkids Bonus.

The January instalment is going out to all families that receive fortnightly Family Tax Benefit payments over the next fortnight.

The families of 1.2 million primary school kids and 1 million high school kids will be receiving this new cash bonus.

Families with kids starting primary or high school this year need to make sure their child’s enrolment details are up to date with Centrelink. They can do this by checking their details on the Centrelink website.

Families who claim their Family Tax Benefit at the end of the financial year will receive their payment then.

Young people in school receiving Youth Allowance and some other income support payments can also be eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus, and should contact Centrelink.

For the latest information about the Schoolkids Bonus and other family assistance measures, visit www.australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus or like the Australian Families Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FamiliesInAustralia.

State breakdown of families who will receive the Schoolkids Bonus: