Last chance for parents to claim $500 before and after school care relief

A public service announcement to any parents who may still be sitting on their before and after school care vouchers: you have just hours left to access these.

The $500 BASC vouchers are available to NSW residents with primary school-aged children enrolled in school for 2023, including students starting kindergarten this year.

They can be used for both before and after school care, as well as vacation care.

That's right, even if you're not planning on sending your kids to OOSH this term — you can claim the voucher now for some holiday care options over Easter. Winning!

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These must be download and redeemed bydownload January 31, aka tomorrow.

Each $500 voucher must be redeemed in a single transaction, however your chosen provider can hold credit for you, which must be used by June 30.

The $155 million BASC Voucher Program was introduced to help families with household budget pressures. As of two weeks ago 305,000 vouchers had been downloaded, and 219,000 redeemed.

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Vouchers can also be shared with adults who may access these services on your child's behalf via the Service NSW mobile app

But as Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Victor Dominello explained last year, these can't be shared between families, as each voucher can only be used for the intended child.

"You can't give it to somebody else as the voucher is for the child and the parent still applies for it," he said.

"But if the parent says they want to give it to the grandparent who is then going to look after the child in relation to before and after school care, they can then go to the registered organisation."

Dominello said before and after school care costs about $30 per session.

Vouchers can be accessed through your MyService NSW account, via the app or in person at a Service Centre.

A list of participating BASC providers is also available here.