How do I apply for a voucher and what information is required?

You can apply for a Creative Kids voucher through your MyServiceNSW Account. To do this, you'll need to log into or create an account and select the Creative Kids’ icon under Services.

When creating a MyServiceNSW Account, you'll be asked to provide your contact details including a mobile number and email address.

As part of the Creative Kids voucher application you'll need to provide your child’s name, date of birth and Medicare number. There are also some questions to gather some basic information about your child’s current activities.

You can apply for one voucher for each child. Each voucher can only be used for the child that is displayed on the voucher, and vouchers cannot be combined. Each child is entitled to claim one voucher per year.

Each child must be school-enrolled, home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW or equivalent, at the time of application.

What if my child exists on two Medicare cards?

If your child exists on more than one Medicare card, use the card that Medicare issued to you for your child.

How will I receive the Creative Kids voucher?

If your application is approved, a voucher will be displayed at the end of the transaction and emailed to the nominated email address for your MyServiceNSW Account. The voucher displays the student/child's name, voucher number, expiry date and value of up to $100.

If you need to access the voucher information after the transaction is complete, you can do this through your MyServiceNSW Account. There is no requirement to print your voucher. Approved activity providers only need the voucher number and expiry date, and your child's full name and date of birth when processing your registration.

You will be able to see the status of your child's voucher in your MyServiceNSW Account. The voucher will show as either 'Available' if you haven’t yet used it, or 'Redeemed' after your provider has applied for the discount and been reimbursed by Service NSW.

How do I apply for a voucher if there is no internet access or I don’t have a mobile number or email address?

You can visit a Service NSW service centre and a digital representative will help you set up an email address (if required) and assist you in creating your MyServiceNSW Account before applying for the voucher.

How do I use my Creative Kids voucher?

Your voucher information needs to be given to your chosen Creative Kids provider at the time of registering your child. This can be done either face to face, or when using online registration. The provider will discount your fee by up to $100, and they will be reimbursed by Service NSW for the amount. The creative provider must be approved by the Creative Kids program in order to accept your voucher.

The voucher can be used for creative and cultural activities within the included activity list.

The voucher cannot be used for individual items such as clothing, uniforms, leotards, instruments, creative supplies (paints, books, canvas) or other equipment that would usually be purchased from a retailer and paid for by the individual, as part of participating in the activity, and separate to any membership or registration fees charged by the provider. Note, packages where these items are included within the course costs are eligible. Other excluded costs are examinations fees and travel costs. 

Travel to and from competitions is also excluded from eligible costs.

The voucher can be redeemed with only one provider per calendar year. If the activity you have chosen is less than $100 you cannot redeem the balance of the voucher. Expired vouchers will not be accepted and are only valid during the year of application. 

Are vouchers valid for holiday programs? 

Yes, vouchers can be used for holiday programs that focus on a specific skill development covered in the eligible categories. 

What is Creative Kids?

Creative Kids is a program to help NSW families meet the cost of getting their kids into creative and cultural activities.

As of 1 January 2019, the NSW Government is providing a voucher of up to $100 for parents/guardians/carers to use towards the payment of lesson and activity costs with an approved provider registered with the Creative Kids program.

The program allows eligible recipients to receive one voucher per eligible child each calendar year for 4 years, commencing 1 January 2019.

The voucher can only be used one time with one provider. If an activity costs less than $100, the balance of the voucher cannot be redeemed.

When does the Creative Kids program start?

From 1 January 2019, parents/guardians/carers can claim a voucher of up to $100 voucher for each eligible school-enrolled child, by applying online through their MyServiceNSW Account.

After the start date, approved providers registered with the Creative Kids program, can accept and redeem valid vouchers from recipients.
This is a 4-year program that is currently planned to run until 31 December 2022.

Who is eligible for a Creative Kids voucher?

Every child (4.5 to 18 years old) who has a current Medicare card and is enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12 is eligible. This includes those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW.

It will not be means tested and one voucher will be available for every child annually over the next 4 years.

There will be no limits on the number of applications per family, as long as each child is enrolled in school and has a valid Medicare card.

What if my child doesn't currently have a Medicare card?

To be eligible for the program, your child must be listed on a current Medicare card in order for their name and age to be validated.

If your child is not included on a current Medicare card, yet is eligible, please contact Medicare to apply for one.

What if my child turns 19 during the season?

If the eligible applicant is 18 and enrolled in school at the time of registration, they can redeem the voucher for that season. A student can claim a voucher up until the day before they turn 19 years old.

My child has lessons and is 4 years old. Can I claim a voucher?

A child aged 4.5 to 18 years old, enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12, and is residing in NSW will be eligible for a voucher. Pre-school children are not part of this program. 

Are children on bridging visas and asylum seekers eligible for a voucher?

If the child resides in NSW, is school-enrolled and is a holder or listed on a valid Medicare card, they are eligible to claim a voucher. 

Why is my provider declining my voucher?

If the provider's membership or classes are at capacity or they are not able to offer a class due to insufficient numbers, the provider has the discretion to not accept the vouchers. Should an approved provider accept a voucher for registration, however not proceed with the class, the voucher must be returned to the parent as long as no payment request was made by the provider to Service NSW. If the voucher was redeemed but the class did not go ahead please contact Service NSW. 

How do I create a MyServiceNSW Account? 

Register a MyServiceNSW Account online.

A parent, guardian or carer of an eligible child can apply for a Creative Kids voucher for their child once they activate a MyServiceNSW Account.