This article shares the information you need to know about the Active Kids Rebate in NSW.
The NSW Government is helping kids get active with the Active Kids program. The Active Kids program provides two $50 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year.
>> Read more about QLD Government Sports Vouchers here
Who is eligible?
If you’re a parent, carer or guardian, the child must be:
- a NSW resident
- aged between 4.5 and 18 years
- under the care of a parent, guardian or carer who is receiving in the current or previous financial year:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Family Tax Benefit Part B
- both Family Tax Benefit Part A and Family Tax Benefit Part B
If you have more than one eligible child, you can apply for them in the same application. The voucher can be used for registration, participation or membership costs with an approved Active Kids provider.
What’s the validity of the sports vouchers?
The vouchers may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and membership costs for sport, fitness, and active recreation activities.
What can the Active Kids Rebate be used for?
These vouchers can be redeemed to help with the cost of traditional team sport such as netball, football or basketball; swimming classes or lessons; as well as other fitness or physical activities such as gymnastics or athletics. The official list of eligible sports include:
- sporting pursuits
- swimming lessons
- structured fitness program
- outdoor recreation programs
- approved active recreation (dance etc)
- coding
- creative writing
- other structured programs of moderate to vigorous activity (approved by the Office of Sport)
Find the full list of eligible activities here.
The definition of ‘physical activity’
- Physical activity is defined as movement involving large muscles e.g. running, swimming, aerobic activity.
- It must be planned, structured and involve repetitive bodily movement which improves or maintains physical fitness.
- Physical activity programs must be at least eight weeks in duration.
- Activities for children with disability that may not otherwise meet the above criteria should be discussed with the Office of Sport. Email activekids@sport.nsw.gov.au.
Ineligible Activities
Activities that are not eligible are:
- school care services (including before and after minding services)
- academic tutoring (involving educational assistance to students, the main purpose of which is to help students improve their understanding of academic subjects)
- cookery classes
- games and gaming (such as board games and digital games)
- gardening
- a school activity (including weekend and inter-school activities)
Costs that are excluded are:
- individual items such as jerseys, socks, boots, art kits, craft kits, paints, books, stationery, canvases, clothing, uniforms, leotards, and instruments.
- travel to and from competitions.
- items, equipment or materials that would usually be purchased from a retailer and paid for as part of participating in an activity, except where the item, equipment or material is an Activity-linked Material.
What will I need to apply?
- a MyServiceNSW account
- proof of identity documents for the parent/carer/guardian
- your child’s Medicare card details
How do I find an approved provider to accept a voucher?
Providers must be registered with the program and approved by the Office of Sport prior to accepting vouchers from recipients. A list of providers approved and registered with the Active Kids program will be available to see when you apply on MyServiceNSW.
Approved providers will include clubs affiliated with State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and active recreation organisations.
Where can I get more information?
Head to the Active Kids page on the NSW Government website for more information.
Phone: Active Kids enquiry line 13 77 88
Email: activekids@sport.nsw.gov.au (link sends e-mail)
