How you can get help with back to school costs
Parents are losing thousands of dollars to payday lenders and rent-to-buy schemes and getting into “catastrophic” debt as they try to cope with rising education expenses. Here’s what you can do if you’re struggling with back-to-school costs.
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Families are turning to payday lenders and getting themselves into “catastrophic” debt to pay rising back to school costs.
The news comes as relief agencies reported being overwhelmed by the number of parents seeking help as the new school year looms.
South East Community Links general manager services and strategy Chris Pierson warned parents against high-interest loans and rent-to-buy schemes for school equipment, saying they ended up costing much more in the long run.
“Lots of families are accessing this kind of money and the results can be catastrophic,” Mr Pierson said.
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“We’re talking 35-40 per cent interest rates, and with rent-to-buy schemes you can end up spending three to four times the value of the device.”
He advised parents to consider low and no-interest loans, which could cover costs such as school books and electronic devices.
The Australian Scholarships Group estimated Victorian parents could fork out up to $3841 for state primary and $5368 for state secondary expenses, such as fees, uniform, electronic devices, excursions, extra-curricular activities and transport for the year ahead.
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State Schools’ Relief (SSR) has already seen a 20 per cent jump in inquiries this year.
The charity, which receives State Government funding, helped more than 56,000 students in 2018-19 with more than 210,000 items – such as uniforms and shoes – to the total value of $6.3 million.
Chief executive Sue Karzis said this year they would be trialling a limited number of myki cards for students.
“We know travel can be a barrier and affect school attendance, so we’re hoping we can alleviate some of that,” she said.
Families are eligible for SSR support if they are experiencing serious financial difficulty, unemployment, serious health issues, family violence and the impact of fires and natural disasters.
If you need help you can approach your child’s school, which will apply to SSR on your behalf.
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Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) acting chief executive Brooke Mckail said cost should not be a barrier to a child’s education.
The advocacy body is calling for free public transport for all school students, a subsidy scheme to help families pay for school sport or recreation costs.
Ms Mckail said state schools should also be consistent and transparent in what parents were expected to pay.
“We know that when children are not able to participate in school activities and sports they are more likely to disengage from school,” she said.
If you would like more information about State Schools’ Relief visit ssr.net.au or about no interest loans visit nils.com.au
SCHOOL COSTS HIT HOME FOR SINGLE MUM
The news her 9-year-old daughter, Myla, would need an iPad for school came as a shock for Prue Steedman.
“I think she’s a bit young to be having that kind of technology and they can cost upwards of $400,” she said.
Ms Steedman, from Thornbury, said her daughter would be borrowing an iPad from the school until the single mum was able to afford one.
On the flip side, the freelance photographer said she had saved a bit of money thanks to second-hand uniform sales at the school fete last year.
“A school dress could cost $10 rather than the $60-80 at the retail price,” Ms Steedman said.
“The parents organised the donations and it was also a great way to recycle the uniforms.”
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