The Back to School NSW Vouchers program provides 3 x $50 vouchers, totalling $150 for each eligible child. There are limited eligible expenses which you can use the vouchers for, including school supplies purchased from registered businesses.

But it can get quite tricky trying to allocate $150 across everything – keeping in mind that each voucher (or multiple vouchers together) can only be redeemed once in the same transaction up to the total.

What does this mean?

Here are examples provided from Service NSW:

If there is a remaining balance, it is forfeited and cannot be used in another transaction. So, if the transaction is $96.50 and two vouchers, totalling $100 are redeemed, the remaining $3.50 is forfeited.

The vouchers can be used towards the cost of school supplies at registered businesses from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023.

If you’re not sure where the vouchers would be best spent on, read on.

Here are the top 3 purchases you’ll be glad you made.

1. School uniforms
Let’s face it. One of the most expensive purchases for any school-aged child is their uniforms. And it’s not just one piece! From hats to shoes, you can easily spend hundreds to complete their head-to-toe school look.

2. Textbooks or other reading material
Whether your child is learning to read or there are school-prescribed textbooks they need, spending on reading materials is not only helpful (and mandatory in some cases) but provides education that will never go to waste. Plus, it can be handed down to younger siblings!

3. Stationery
You’ll be surprised how much stationery costs can add up. It’s a constant outgoing expense as they go through the school year. From exercise books and pens to calculators and craft equipment (i.e. glue, scissors), some of these items need replacing every other term. It’s a good idea to bulk buy the essentials so you save in the long run.