Families need to update details to get the Schoolkids Bonus in January

This week families with kids who could be starting primary or high school next year will receive a text, email or letter from Centrelink asking them to update their kids’ enrolment details in order to get the Schoolkids Bonus in January.

About 400,000 families need to go online and update their kids’ school details before the end of the year to ensure they receive the right amount of Schoolkids Bonus.

The Australian Government is helping lighten the load for 1.3 million families a year with our new Schoolkids Bonus. 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 Schoolkids Bonus – paid in two instalments in January and July each year – helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.

The Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, and the Minister for Human Services, Kim Carr, today encouraged parents to go online and update the school details for their kids.

“The next Schoolkids Bonus payment comes in early January. If you don’t let Centrelink know your child is starting school next year, you could miss out on $410,” Ms Macklin said.

“And if your child is starting high school we also need to know, so you can get the $820 high school payment.

“Christmas and January are a busy time for many families, so that’s why we want parents to update their details now before the silly season kicks in.”

The Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said once families have updated their details, they will receive the Schoolkids Bonus straight into their bank account in January and July next year.

“The Schoolkids Bonus replaces the Education Tax Refund, which means families no longer need to keep receipts and wait months to claim back education costs through their tax return,” Senator Kim Carr said.

“All they need to do instead is check and update their children’s study details online, then receive their bonus in time for the school year.”

Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, as well as young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, and others receiving certain income support or veterans’ payments are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.

To find out more about the Schoolkids Bonus and other Government payments you may be eligible for visit humanservices.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus.