Premier Jacinta Allan said the payment would benefit 700,000 students attending government schools, as well as eligible concession card holders at other schools.
Parents with children at a government school won’t need to apply for their bonus. It is free, automatic and universal.
Families should receive an email giving them access to their $400 per child from this week.
Parents can choose how they allocate their funds, whether that’s a uniform and textbook voucher, or adding money to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.
Uniform or textbook vouchers can be redeemed in-person or online through school-approved suppliers.
It applies to each family, so if parents have three school children, they will receive $1200 in support to help cover school costs.
Unused vouchers will be automatically transferred to a family’s school account.
The premier told reporters that the payment would make a meaningful difference for families and for parents.
“Families want the best for their kids. The best education, the right textbook, a fresh uniform, the camps and excursions they’ll remember forever,” Allan said.
“It’s why our School Saving Bonus is helping give kids a great start to the school year – and their parents one less thing to worry about.”