As the cost of living continues to rise in Australia, the New South Wales (NSW) government is offering financial relief to families through the Active and Creative Kids vouchers.
These vouchers provide up to $100 per child annually to support participation in sports, creative, and cultural activities.
With application deadlines approaching, it’s essential for eligible families to understand the program details and claim their vouchers promptly.
Contents
Program Overview
The Active and Creative Kids program aims to reduce financial barriers, enabling children to engage in extracurricular activities that promote physical health, creativity, and cultural engagement.
In 2024, approximately 600,000 children in NSW are eligible for these vouchers, with an annual funding allocation of $28 million.
Voucher Details and Key Dates
Each child is entitled to two $50 vouchers per year, totaling $100. These vouchers are distributed as follows:
| Voucher | Availability Period | Application Deadline | Usage Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Term 1, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2024 |
| 2 | Term 3, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | July 14, 2025 |
Families can apply for both vouchers simultaneously and use them together to maximize the $100 benefit before the end of the year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the vouchers, families must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be residents of NSW.
- Family Tax Benefit: Must be recipients of the Family Tax Benefit (Part A or B).
- Child’s Age: The child must be aged between 4.5 and 18 years and enrolled in school.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to claim your vouchers:
- Create a Service NSW Account: If you don’t have one, register at the Service NSW website.
- Log In: Access your account on the Service NSW website.
- Access Voucher Application: Navigate to the ‘Active and Creative Kids’ section.
- Complete Application Form: Provide personal details, your child’s information, and the activities they wish to participate in.
- Upload Necessary Documents: Submit required documents, including your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN), Medicare card details, and identification for both you and your child.
- Review and Submit: Ensure all information is accurate before submitting the application.
- Await Approval: After submission, your application will be reviewed. Upon approval, you’ll receive the vouchers.
Redeeming the Vouchers
The vouchers can be used with registered activity providers for eligible activities, including:
- Sports: Soccer, basketball, rugby, tennis, gymnastics, netball, yoga, martial arts, etc.
- Creative Arts: Dance, music, drama, visual arts, choreography, circus arts, creative writing, coding, etc.
- Cultural Engagement: Language classes, singing, and other cultural activities.
Note that each voucher must be used in full with a single provider; they cannot be split across multiple activities or providers.
Importance of Timely Application
With the December 31, 2024, deadline for Voucher 1 fast approaching, it’s crucial for eligible families to apply promptly to take full advantage of the available funds.
This initiative not only alleviates financial pressure but also ensures children have access to valuable developmental opportunities.
Can I apply for the vouchers if I am not receiving the Family Tax Benefit?
No, the vouchers are means-tested and only available to families receiving the Family Tax Benefit (Part A or B).
Can the vouchers be used for online activities?
Yes, as long as the activity is offered by a registered provider and meets the program’s eligibility criteria.
Is there a limit to the number of children per family who can receive vouchers?
No, each eligible child in the family can receive two $50 vouchers per year.
