PARENTS can expect a back-to-school January cash splash from the Gillard government with payments of up to $820 for every child.
Across Australia 1.5 million low and middle-income families with school-aged children can expect automatic payments to arrive in their bank accounts to help with back-to-school costs from January 9.
SchoolKids Bonus payments will go to all families who already get the means-tested Family Tax Benefit A.
For primary school children parents can expect $410 per child and for high school students $820 per child.
From January 1, the government will also introduce a two-week paid paternity leave plan for new dads allowing them to spend time with new babies.
The scheme will provide eligible working dads or partners, including adoptive parents and same sex partners, two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the national minimum wage of about $606 per week.
To be eligible, fathers must have made less than $150,000 in the previous financial year and meet a work and residency test. They must also take un-paid leave during the fortnight.
But single parents on parenting payments will lose cash when their youngest child turns eight because they will be shifted on to the Newstart Allowance unless they are in training or get a job.
About 78,000 will be affected from January 1, saving $728 million over four years.
“The government is keen to provide every assistance to improve their job opportunities,” Human Services Minister Kim Carr said.
Stay Informed. It’s simple, free & convenient!