Parents Returning to Earning  

The Returning to Earning program provides support to parents to return to work after an absence caring for children. Grants of up to $1000 are available which can be used to cover any costs associated with approved training, such as books and materials, course fees, transport and childcare.

The grant can provide for:

• Course Fees
• Payment of Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees for the first year of a university course
• First year Higher Education student contribution
• Child care to cover the parent's attendance at training
• Broadband access where the participant is studying by remote access (distance learning)
• Transport costs incurred to attend training where there is demonstrated need
• Course materials such as prescribed books and software required for the course or other prescribed tools and equipment required for the course
• Uniforms required for specific training e.g. hospitality uniform.

The grant is to be used to directly assist the parent to participate in training to return to the workforce.

Participant Eligibility  

The Returning to Earning grants will support parents to return to work who:

• Have been absent from education, accredited training* and the workforce for over two years while caring for children
• Are currently unemployed and wish to return to work, preferably in the next 12 months
• Have not worked for more than 4 months full time, or equivalent part-time, in the last 2 years
• Are Australian residents living in Victoria **
• Will enrol in training to improve their workforce skills and/or earning potential
• Have not received a grant under the program Parents Returning to Work
• Were unable to activate their Parents Returning to Work grant due to unforseen circumstances.

* Accredited English Language training is an exception to this condition

** TPV holders are deemed as eligible residents

Note: For the purposes of the Returning to Earning program, 'unemployed' is deemed to include paid employment for less than 6.5 hours per week.

More information and how to apply available at

http://www.returningtoearning.com.au