Parents and carers have been reminded by the federal government to check their eligibility for the Schoolkids Bonus payment to help cover education costs.
The payment of $205 for each primary student and $410 for each secondary student is made in two instalments.
Payments totalling $4.8 million were made to families in the Parramatta local government area in January. The second instalment of the payments will be made in July.
Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Maclin said the payment could make a big difference to families who struggled to cover school expenses like uniforms, shoes or books.
‘‘We don’t want anyone to miss out,’’ she said.
‘‘Families with kids who have started primary or high school this year need to make sure their child’s schooling details are up to date with Centrelink to receive their Schoolkids Bonus entitlement.’’
Details: australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus.