The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) is calling on the government to make the bonus payment to civil servants on Dec 15, rather than in January.

Its president, Azih Musa, said this would ease parents' financial burden in preparing their children for school.

"As the new school season begins in January, we request that the bonus payment be made earlier, that is on Dec 15, to help parents prepare their children for school," he told Bernama yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when tabling the Budget 2015 on Friday, announced a bonus of half-month salary or a minimum of RM500 to about 1.5 million civil servants in January.

Government pensioners are also given a special assistance of RM250.

Azih said the bonus payments would be made in a lump sum and would be enjoyed by civil servants covering all grades including those in the Public Service Premier Post (Jusa).

A civil servant, Rozalina Ayob, 45, said she hoped the bonus payment would be advanced as it would help her buy school requirements and pay the school fees for her three children.

"School items are expensive and the bonus will be of great help," she added.