Preparing for primary school, or making the transition to Year 7, is an important time for a child and a big expense for a family. The Victorian Government is helping to ease the strain for families by providing a one-off School Start Bonus (SSB) of $300.00 for each student entering Prep or Year 7 in 2010.
The SSB helps meet the costs of purchasing school and sporting uniforms, school bags and other school items so that students get the best possible start to school. The Bonus will be paid to families using a Payment Voucher, which a parent or guardian will present at their local Post Office along with Photo Id for a cash redemption.
Schools play a pivotal role in delivering the Bonus to families. They are responsible for gathering and entering enrolment information into the School Start Bonus system, and printing and delivering payment vouchers to Parents.
The SSB system functions to be used by the school will be available through the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) system’s home page.
Please note: Friday 26 March is the deadline for eligibility for the School Start Bonus in 2010.
The SSB system for 2010 has had a number of improvements made to streamline importing and maintaining enrolments:
The SSB system's comprehensive online ‘Help’ is now aligned with the Reference Guide document that is available to assist you with entering your enrolments and printing payment vouchers.
The online ‘Help’ button, available on most screens, should be able to answer any of your questions should you require some assistance.
For further information, see: School Start Bonus Voucher Reference Guide (PDF - 1.6Mb)
SSB deadlines and important dates:
New school users who do not have access to EMA must request access to EMA/SSB by submitting a form – EMA/SSB User Access Request.
Queries may be directed to Head Office by emailing school.start.bonus@edumail.vic.gov.au
For more information, see: School Start Bonus Frequently Asked Questions
Phone support: 1800 809 834 option 6
For information for parents on eligibility, payments and home schooled students, see: School Start Bonus
Phone support: 1800 809 834 option 6