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loginSchool and Year Start-up Payment
If you're caring for someone else's child and need help with pre-school or school-related costs at the beginning of the year, you may be able to get the School and Year Start-up Payment.
- This is a once-a-year payment.
- You need to apply every year between mid-January and the end of February.
Who can get it
You can get a School and Year Start-up Payment if you're getting Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit.
You can get the payment for every child that you get these benefits for.
What you can get
This payment is to help with the costs that mostly happen at the beginning of the year, in particular pre-school and school-related costs, eg clothing, school fees and stationery.
How much you get is based on the age of the child at the end of February each year.
| Age of child (at 29 February 2024) | Payment |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 years | $400 |
| 5 - 9 years | $450 |
| 10 - 13 years | $500 |
| 14 years and over | $550 |
You won't be taxed on this money and you won't have to pay it back.
How to apply
You can apply between mid-January and the end of February and it will be paid within 10 working days.
Applications are open during this time because a lot of costs associated with raising a child can come at the beginning of the year, such as pre-school or school-related costs like fees, clothing and stationery. This payment is to help take the pressure off carers at this time of the year.
You don't need to show us any receipts or quotes to get the School and Year Start-up Payment. However, it is expected that the payment will go towards covering the child's school-related costs, or costs arising at the start of the year.
Can't apply when applications are open
If you have a good reason for not being able to apply between mid-January and the end of February, eg being in hospital, talk to us about your situation as we may still be able to make this payment to you.
Other payments
When you apply for the Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit, you will automatically receive a one-off grant of $350 for each child. This is to help you with the costs when a child first comes into your care, such as a bed, bedding and clothing.
RelatedContact
ContactYou may be able to receive other financial help with your costs even if you get this payment. Call us to discuss your situation.