[librablonde]

My kid's school has started to change their school uniform to another version. While I don't care one way or the other about them changing the uniform, I almost shed a tear at the thought of paying for uniforms for 3 kids in 2013. And I can't buy secondhand uniforms as they're the new versions. Thank goodness for the Centrelink Schoolkids Bonus that is being paid in January (part-payment) which will enable us to get those new uniforms

Here's the Schoolkids Bonus info if anyone is interested:
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibili...choolkids-bonus

[-*meh*-]

oh i forgot about that!!!

Will be a handy $400 to start the new year... kids will probably need new bags/lunchboxes/shoes by then!

[JustBeige]

I'm happy that is happening (for us). DD is starting HS in 2013 and they have just brought in a strict uniform policy - which blows my budget - but I am happy about, as the other one just looked s*utty (seriously, hankies as skirts, buttons off blouses; random shoes that just had a smidge of black in them; hoodies)

So will be glad to see that now we need hats; clarks shoes (full leather ones); jackets etc.

[JustBeige]

I just noticed this bit on that website link:

Important news!
To receive the correct Schoolkids Bonus payment in January 2013, Centrelink customers must check and update their details by 31 December 2012 if:

•you are or your child is starting primary school or secondary school in 2013
•your child’s care arrangements or any other details have changed
•you are or your child is finishing secondary study in 2012.
You can update your details through Centrelink Online ServicesLink to external website.

If none of the above applies to you, but you or your children are in primary or secondary school and you are eligible for Schoolkids Bonus, it will be paid to you automatically without the need to contact Centrelink.

so it looks like you need to check/update your info. I found the link under the Family Assistance Tab (on the left hand side of the Clink home page once you log in.)

[ChunkyChook]

Is this the one that is replacing the tax thingy?

[Nanaimo Girl]

I'd advise everyone to jump online and make sure Centrelink has your correct details. I recently found out that they had my child as still being in primary school next year when they are actually starting secondary school.

[PrincessPeach]

Is this the one that is replacing the tax thingy?

Yep. First payments were made from centrelink in June this year instead of your 2012 tax return.

[Excentrique]

I received a letter in the mail asking me to clarify my details. It had my son listed as not being at school yet when he starts next year. So I jumped online and updated that and now we are all set!

I'm really happy to see this come in, really helps with the struggle to buy a new uniform for DS, 2x book lists, new lunchboxes, bags, etc etc.

[missjoads1234]

Will be a handy $400 to start the new year... kids will probably need new bags/lunchboxes/shoes by then!

Just to clarify - the payments are divided into 2 parts, one in jan and the other in july. You will get $200 at the start of the year. Unless you're kids at in high school than its $400 in jan.

[-*meh*-]

Just to clarify - the payments are divided into 2 parts, one in jan and the other in july. You will get $200 at the start of the year. Unless you're kids at in high school than its $400 in jan.

sorry $400 because i have 2 school aged kids... $205 per primary aged child.