The Gillard Government’s Schoolkids Bonus will be delivered straight into the bank accounts of around 9450 Ballarat and region families from today.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said more than 6350 of those families are in the City of Ballarat, around 1000 in Hepburn Shire and a further 2100 in Moorabool Shire.
Ms King said the Schoolkids Bonus helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as cover 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,” Ms King said.
“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.
Nationally, 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 next 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,” Ms king said.
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.