Families facing school expenses have less than a week to apply for the Back to School Bonus scheme, which provides a one-off payment of up to £150 for uniforms and stationery ahead of the upcoming term before the deadline closes on Friday, July 31.
The Back to School Bonus Scheme Deadlines and Income Rules
Parents and guardians preparing for the new academic year face a strict cutoff date for financial assistance.
The funding structure was established by the previous government in April. The program specifically targets parents who do not receive income support and maintain a combined household income of £75,000 or less.
Applicants must submit their paperwork before the final deadline on Friday, July 31. Approved funds are scheduled to be deposited directly into recipient bank accounts during August, ensuring families have resources cleared before classrooms reopen.
Relief Programs and Support Pathways
There are options if you’re having difficulties with school costs. Your school cannot stop your child from learning the standard curriculum if you can’t pay.
If you’ve spoken with your school and are not happy with the response, you can speak to the school principal first. If things are still not resolved, you can contact us via your closest regional hotline.
Beyond specific direct-payment bonuses, educational authorities and support organizations provide established frameworks to manage student expenses. State Schools’ Relief delivers practical and confidential support for thousands of families in need and work with all government schools to ensure that students facing hardship and/or crisis situations have the necessary items they require for school, as noted by the Victorian government.
Support is available from State Schools’ Relief if you have a child at a Victorian government school and are facing, for example:
- Serious financial difficulty
- Crisis situations such as homelessness, family violence and natural disasters
- Out of home care
- Refugee status
Victorian state government school students are eligible to receive uniform items, school shoes, stationery packs and other essential school items at no cost.
State Schools’ Relief assistance will be provided either by direct supply of items or via a voucher for redemption from school uniform suppliers.
You can speak to your child’s school to get the support you need. You can discuss your requirements with the school principal, assistant principal, or a student welfare coordinator. They will work with you to identify the need and will apply for assistance directly with State Schools’ Relief on your behalf.
If your child is beginning prep or year 7 and is eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, they can automatically receive help with school uniform support. Schools make CSEF uniform applications on behalf of families at designated times during the school year. This assistance is additional to the application-based support available to all eligible families through the Affordable School Uniforms program that is available year-round.
Government Funding and Long-Term Budget Allocations
State Schools’ Relief is an organisation that helps children stay in education. Government investment in student support infrastructure reflects multi-million-dollar commitments to keep uniform costs from obstructing attendance.
Since 2015, the Victorian government has provided $104.9 million to State Schools’ Relief to help them provide uniforms and essential school items to Victorian students through the Affordable School Uniforms program. This includes an additional $29.3 million for the continuance of the Affordable School Uniforms program announced in the 2026-27 State Budget.
You can learn more about the organisation on the State Schools’ Relief website.
