The state government has released guidelines for the new $100 Active Kids rebate for for sporting and fitness related costs, which can be claimed from January 1 next year.
The voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities of no less than eight weeks’ duration that provide a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity, for example:
- Sporting pursuits.
- Swimming lessons.
- Structured fitness program.
- Outdoor education programs.
- Approved active recreation (dance etc).
- Equipment ordinarily provided by the provider on registration for competition.
Ineligible activities include:
- Programs less than eight weeks’ duration.
- Gym membership that is not part of a structured program.
- Activities that are part of the school curriculum or conducted during school hours.
- After-school care services and tutors.
- School-run competitions, including weekend and inter-school sport competitions or activities.
Costs that are excluded are:
- Individual items such as jerseys, socks, boots, clothing or equipment that would usually be purchased from a retailer and paid for by the individual as part of participating in the activity separate to any membership or registration fees charged by the provider.
- Travel to and from competitions.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said from January 31, parents, carers and guardians would be able to log into the Service NSW Active Kids account to find registered providers for their preferred activity and those operating in their local area.
They will download vouchers from the online platform or at any Service NSW Centre.
No means test applies and one $100 voucher can be claimed for each child per year for the next four years.
The rebate was welcomed by sports groups and parents in St George and Sutherland Shire when it was announced in the state budget this year.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Provided by the state government
What is Active Kids?
The NSW Government will provide a $100 voucher to parents/guardians of school enrolled children. The $100 voucher can be used for registration and participation costs for sport and fitness activities.
The initiative aims to reduce barriers to participation and help change the physical activity behaviours of children and young people in NSW.
Who is eligible to claim the voucher?
Every child (4.5 - 18 years’ old) enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12 will be eligible for an Active Kids Voucher. This includes those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW.
It will not be means tested and one voucher will be available for every child in the family annually over the next four years.
There will be no limits on the number of applications per family, as long as every child is enrolled in school.
How long are vouchers valid?
Vouchers provided are valid for redemption during the current calendar year activity program (Year 1 will commence from 31 January and expire on 31 December 2018). Vouchers shall expire at the end of the calendar year.
2019 vouchers and beyond will commence from 1 January each year and expire on 31 December.
No availability exists for retrospective redemption of vouchers.
Vouchers are available for redemption once only for the nominated registered season or term of activity.
What can the voucher be used for?
The voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities of no less than eight weeks’ duration that provide a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity, for example:
- sporting pursuits
- swimming lessons
- structured fitness program
- outdoor education programs
- approved active recreation (dance etc)
- equipment ordinarily provided by the provider on registration for competition.
Physical activity is defined as movement involving large muscles (e.g. running, swimming, aerobic activity). Physical activity must be planned, structured and involve repetitive bodily movement which improves or maintains physical fitness.
The vouchers will be redeemable through approved sport, fitness and physical activity providers upon registration.
Please note that vouchers cannot be split between multiple clubs or registrations, and therefore you may not be able to claim the full $100.
Activities that are ineligible are:
- programs less than eight weeks’ duration
- gym membership that is not part of a structured program
- activities that are part of the school curriculum or conducted during school hours
- after-school care services and tutors • school-run competitions, including weekend and inter-school sport competitions or activities.
What can’t the voucher be used for?
Individual items (such as jerseys, socks, boots, etc.) that would usually be purchased from a retailer and paid for by the individual as part of participating in the activity separate to any membership or registration fees charged by the provider.
How do you download a voucher?
From 31 January 2018, parents/guardians/carers with legal responsibility of an eligible child resident in NSW will be able to download a voucher from an online platform. The platform will be run by Service NSW and can be accessed through this website.
When will the program be introduced?
From 31 January 2018 families will be able to claim their voucher/s.
FULL GUIDELINES: sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids
