Tips to ensure your child’s $410 school bonus comes in
RICHMOND MP Justine Elliot has reminded parents to update their children's school details to ensure they receive the correct Schoolkids Bonus this month.
Mrs Elliot said parents should contact Centrelink to check their details and update them online if incorrect.
"If you are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus and your child is already in primary or secondary school then you don't need to do anything and will get the money in your bank account in January," Mrs Elliot said.
Parents should have received letters from Centrelink asking them to update their children's details.
"But if your child is starting school this year or moving into high school, we need you to double-check your child's details in the letter to make sure you get your payment on time.
"If the details in the letter are incorrect, it is important families update their details online, using their authenticated login or the One Time Access code in the letter," Mrs Elliot said.
More than 9500 local families are eligible to receive up to $410 for each child in primary school and up to $820 a year for each high school student.
The bonus will be paid in two instalments, in January and July each year, and is meant to help parents pay for uniforms, shoes and schoolbooks as well as other school costs.
"The Schoolkids Bonus replaced the Education Tax refund so that local families won't have to keep their receipts or wait until tax time to get their money back.
"Christmas and January are busy times so it's best to make sure the bonus is in your bank account well before the kids head back to school," Mrs Elliot said.
For more information visit humanservices.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus.
