The NSW government has enrolled in a new initiative: the NSW Back to School Voucher Program, which aims to help families with children both in NSW primary and secondary schools to pay for school supplies. The program delivers three $50 refundable vouchers to each eligible child, a total of $150, which they must use before 30 June 2023.
Participating retailers, such as Lowes and AdventureCo, The Creative Toy shop, and others accept these vouchers. Families can use their vouchers at school merchants throughout the district for basics such as school shoes and other school supplies such as water bottles, sports shoes, socks, uniforms, bags, textbooks, stationery, and more. Provision can be made in an application for vouchers for multiple kids on one Medicare card.
This voucher cannot be used to receive any cash, voucher, or credit notes. Additionally, the voucher cannot be utilized together in conjunction with another voucher issued by the NSW Government. The recipient of the voucher is the one who must approve the voucher and use it in redemption. You can use them (vouchers) individually or do combine them for one purchase. The vouchers are for a single usable occasion.
When you want to exchange an item, you can only exchange it for one located within the same Back to School collection. For more information about the Service NSW-administered Back to School voucher program, please consult the Service NSW website.
Eligibility Criteria
This program is available for caregivers of a student who is:
- A resident of NSW
- Who is currently in school studying in 2023 (from kindergarten to year 12)
- Either students who are home-schooled or enrolled in year 10 or year 12 equivalent qualifications at TAFE NSW are eligible
- Students who meet the eligibility criteria and have their medicare card are free to apply on their behalf.
Required Documents for the NSW Back To School Vouchers
The following are documents required for the application of the voucher:
- a MyServiceNSW Account – you can create one when you start your application.
- a Medicare card that includes the name of the student.
- additional proof of identity documents such as your NSW driver’s license or Australian passport.
- the name of the school or educational facility where the student is enrolled to attend in 2023.
Note: Your Medicare card and your proof of identity document must show the same name that appears on your MyServiceNSW Account.
How To Apply For Your NSW Back To School Vouchers
- Applicants are required to check the eligibility requirements and ensure they meet them before applying.
- Visit the MyServiceNSW site to create your account.
- After creating the account, follow the prompts to apply for the voucher
If the application is successful, you will:
- See your vouchers in the ‘Vouchers’ section of the Service NSW app. It usually takes an hour.
- You will be sent an email from Service NSW with your voucher available to download and print.