Treasurer Wayne Swan has given taxpayers the green light to save rather than spend a cash bonus coming their way from Monday.

Taxpayers earning less than $100,000 will receive a one-off bonus of up to $900 under the federal government’s $42 billion economic stimulus package.

Mr Swan says the payments will help stimulate demand and employment, especially in the retail sector where most of the money is expected to be spent.

The government’s first economic stimulus strategy, which included cash handouts to low-income families, pensioners and carers, had a substantial influence on retail sales in December, January and February, the treasurer said.

“Some of it was saved and that is a good thing too because what that does is bring forward the time at which many people will further consume,” he told ABC Radio on Monday.

The bonus payment would fill the gap between now and when direct investment started flowing for school maintenance projects - nearly 6,000 of which were announced on Sunday - as well as residential housing construction and energy efficiency projects, Mr Swan said.

“It takes a bit of time to organise that direct investment,” Mr Swan said, adding it would employ people in the construction sector and increase demand in the supply line.

AAP