School Kids Bonus

The School Kids Bonus replaced the Education Tax Refund (ETR) from 1 January 2013, administered by the Department of Human Services.

Consistent with Coalition policy announced before the September 2013 Federal election, the School Kids Bonus has been removed. Amendments were included in the MRRT Repeal Measures Bill (approved by parliament on 2 September 2014).

The effect of the repeal measures was immediate removal, unless Adjusted Taxable Income was below $100,000, in which case the date of removal was 31 December 2016. Final payments for those still eligible issued from July 2016.

This is historical information only. The School Kids Bonus is no longer available.

To commence receiving the School Kids Bonus the Department of Human Services needs to be aware that you have kids in school, and that you are eligible.

In most cases they will have this information and proactively remind you. However you should ensure that the Department gets notification when your children start school, and that your current eligibility and details have been properly recorded so that your payments are received when due.

Unlike the ETR scheme it has replaced, The School Kids Bonus system does not require proof of any expenditure, and is not linked to tax returns or tax assessments.

Note: From 1 January 2015 there is an income test – eligibility requires an adjusted taxable income of $100,000 or less.

School Kids Bonus Annual Payment rates

The School Kids Bonus payments are paid in two instalments each year by direct credit to bank accounts, in the months of January and July.

Calendar YearPrimary School KidsSecondary School Kids
2016$430$856
2015$422$842
2014$410$820
2013$410$820
2012$410$820

Eligibility

In brief, the eligibility requirements to receive the School Kids Bonus are:

  • you are qualified to receive Family Tax Benefit Part A
  • you have a child (or children) at primary or secondary school
  • from 1 January 2015 the Bonus is subject to a maximum adjusted taxable income of $100,000

As was the case with the ETR, the School Kids Bonus is also available students receiving Youth Allowance, Abstudy and some other income support and veterans’ payments.

This page was last modified 2021-06-09