Cash boost: Aussie parents have days left to claim $200

Parents in Victoria have just days to claim a cash boost of up to $200 worth of vouchers to help pay for children's sporting costs. The Active Kids vouchers help parents cover the costs of membership, registration, or participation fees at registered sports or active recreation clubs.

If uniforms or equipment are part of the fees, they can be used to cover those too. But get in quickly as the latest round of vouchers expire on Tuesday April 30. for

You just need to present the voucher to your activity provider when you register or pay for membership.

There are other programs run in different states and territories across the country. Find out more here.

Who is eligible for an Active Kids voucher?

To be eligible for a voucher your child must be:

• aged 0 to 18 years

• a resident in Victoria

• named on a valid Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card

• named on a valid Australian Government Medicare Card

You can apply for more than one voucher if you have more than one eligible child. You can apply for multiple children on the one application.

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There are special provisions for some children if they don't meet all the criteria but are in the age bracket and a resident of Victoria.

They would need to be residing in Victorian Care Services, or be a temporary or provisional visa holder, undocumented migrant or international student.

How do I apply for a voucher and what costs are covered?

The government opens applications in rounds and when the program is open, you can fi

ll out a form here.

Once the voucher is issued, you present it to registered activity providers. You can find a list of registered providers here.

Providers range from Athletics to cricket, Girl Guides and Scouts.

The voucher covers the cost of registration, equipment or uniforms by up to $200.

If the total amount is less than $200, the voucher can only be used for that amount. For example, if the total amount is $120, the remaining value can not be used with another provider.

If the amount is more than $200, you will need to cover the extra costs.