Attention all New South Wales mums, dads, and guardians! It’s time to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity that could enrich your child’s life without straining your wallet. The NSW government is reminding families to apply for the Active and Creative Kids Voucher program, designed to make it easier for your youngsters to participate in a variety of sports, recreational, and cultural activities.
If you’re receiving Centrelink’s Family Tax Benefit, you could be eligible for not one, but two $50 vouchers each year for every child under your care. That’s a total of $100 per child that can be put towards nurturing their active and creative spirits.
But here’s the kicker: if you missed out on claiming your voucher from the previous year, 2024, there’s still a chance to redeem it. By applying now, you can secure two $50 Active and Creative Kids vouchers, ensuring you have a full $100 to spend with an approved activity provider.
The NSW government issues these vouchers biannually, and it’s crucial to keep track of their expiration dates. The second voucher from 2024 must be used by July 14, 2025, while the first voucher from 2025 is valid until December 31, 2025. Both vouchers are currently up for grabs, and applications for the second 2025 voucher will open on July 15, 2025, which can then be used over the subsequent 12 months.
Each voucher is a golden ticket to a single use and must be redeemed at a registered activity provider. You can find a list of these providers on the official NSW government website. If you’re lucky enough to have two vouchers, feel free to use them simultaneously at the same provider. However, remember that you cannot split the $50 between multiple providers, nor can it be exchanged for cash, gift vouchers, or credit notes.
Eligibility is straightforward: only one person can apply for the vouchers per child, but if you’re blessed with a brood, you can include all your eligible children in a single application. To qualify, you must be receiving one or more of the following Centrelink payments in the current or previous financial year:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Family Tax Benefit Part B
- Both Family Tax Benefit Part A and Family Tax Benefit Part B
Additionally, your child must be a NSW resident and aged between 4.5 and 18 years old. To apply, you’ll need to set up a MyServiceNSW account and complete the application through this portal. Be prepared to provide two forms of identity documents, your Centrelink Customer Reference Number, and your child’s Medicare card details.
But what about parents in other parts of Australia? Fear not, as each state and territory offers its own sports and activity vouchers with varying eligibility criteria:
- NSW: Active and Creative Kids voucher – 2 x $50 per child
- VIC: Get Active Kids voucher – 1 x $200 per child
- QLD: FairPlay voucher – 1 x $150 per child
- SA: Sports voucher – 2 x $100 per child
- WA: KidSport voucher – 1 x $500 per child
- NT: Sport voucher – 2 x $100 per child
- TAS: Ticket to Play – 2 x $100 per child
This is a golden opportunity to support your child’s development and interests without the financial burden. So, don’t delay—check your eligibility, gather your documents, and apply for these valuable vouchers today. Your children’s smiles and the memories they’ll create are worth every dollar saved.
Have you taken advantage of the Active and Creative Kids vouchers before? What activities are you planning to use your vouchers for? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts—let’s chat!
Also read: Cash boosts: The good and the potential tax implications
