In 2018, the NSW Government introduced the Active Kids Rebate, which parents have been able to use to offset the cost of sports, swimming, and other activities. Starting January 1, 2019, NSW parents were also be able to claim the Creative Kids Rebate on creative and cultural activities for kids. Arts-loving families, rejoiced!
The information below has been updated to reflect changes introduced in February 2024. The Active and Creative Kids vouchers are now part of one program:
- Who is eligible? NSW resident families receiving Family Tax Benefit A or B (or both) may apply for two vouchers/year per child who is between 4.5 and 18 years old, enrolled in school (including homeschool and distance ed). Eligible children must have a Medicare card.
- How much is the rebate? Each eligible child may receive two vouchers each year for $50 each. One voucher is available at the start of the year and the second becomes available mid-way through the year. These may be used for either Active or Creative activities. Families may claim for as many eligible children as are in the family.
- What Kind of Activities are Included?: Eligible activities may include “dance, music, football (soccer), martial arts, craft, gymnastics, visual arts, painting, drawing, drama, tennis, rugby league, singing, basketball, languages, netball, yoga, creative writing, choreography, circus arts and coding. “
- We’d Like to Use Two Vouchers at Once: The second voucher, once available, may be used with the first for a total of $100 off a single activity, as long as both are still within date. They may only be used for an activity for the named child (i.e. – you cannot use a sibling’s voucher).
- Is Our Child’s Activity Included?: The activity provider must register and be accepted as an Active and Creative Kids provider. To search for activities in your area, search this list by postcode, suburb, activity type, or provider name.
- Can We Use the Voucher for School Holiday programs?: Yes! The voucher is can be used for use for full term programs, holiday programs, or even eligible one-off workshops.
- How Do We Get the Voucher?: Once you have determined that your child’s activity is registered, go to the Service NSW app or website to apply for the voucher. You will need to have an account and your child’s Medicare card. Once you’ve completed the application and received the voucher, ask your provider for their system of redeeming vouchers. You must have the voucher prior to registering and paying for the activity.
- Our Child’s Activity is Not Listed: Providers must register and be approved to be eligible for the voucher. If your preferred program is not registered, let them know that you’d love to see them included in the program. All information for providers can be found here.
- Other Information: Vouchers must be used in the calendar year in which you apply. There are no refunds or change given.
All information in this article has been taken from the following and its linked pages. All information is subject to change, so please verify with official sources.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-an-active-and-creative-kids-voucher
