Secondary Assistance Scheme

Secondary Assistance Scheme

The Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) is available to low-income families with children enrolled in secondary schooling to assist with school expenses.

On 1 July 2024, the State Government announced an increase in the SAS clothing allowance from $115 to $300 for 2024 and 2025. This is to provide cost-of-living relief for eligible low-income families. 

As part of the changes, from 2025, parents receiving ABSTUDY Schooling Assistance payments through Services Australia (Centrelink) can apply for SAS if they are eligible. The ABSTUDY Supplement Allowance will end in 2025.

The SAS comprises an education program allowance which is paid to the school and a clothing allowance which is paid to the parent. For public school students, parents and guardians can choose to pay the clothing allowance to the school for other expenses. Applications for the 2024 SAS closed at the end of Term 1, 2024.

The additional payments to existing SAS recipients in 2024 were paid in early September. Payments were made to parent bank accounts or the school, in line with the preference of the applicant. Where the school received the payment, school staff will contact parents to discuss how to apply the payment.

Schools will receive the 2025 student allowances guidelines in Term 4, 2024. Applications for the 2025 SAS will open in Term 1, 2025.

Speak to the student’s school to discuss your eligibility. If you are a home educator, contact your nearest education regional office.

You are eligible for the SAS if you:

  • hold an eligible concession card, with the name of the student listed. This could be either a:
    • Services Australia (Centrelink) Pensioner Concession card
    • Services Australia (Centrelink) Health Care card
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession card (blue card only).
  • have children enrolled in Years 7 to 12 studying a full-time secondary course at a Western Australian school, or registered with a Western Australian Department of Education Regional Office for homeschooling
  • have not previously claimed for the same student in the same year (or where another parent/guardian has made a claim previously)
  • are not a foster parent
  • are an Independent student in secondary school with an eligible concession card.

Other eligibility information:

  • students are eligible up to and including the year the child turns 18 while enrolled in a secondary school
  • students who have their own Health Care Card but are dependent on their parent or guardian are not eligible.

To apply for the SAS:

  1. Request an application form from the school in which your child is enrolled, or if you home-school your child, contact your Education Regional Office.
  2. Complete the application in full and provide the required supporting documentation.
  3. Submit the application to your school. If you home school, follow the application information on the form. 

Applications can only be submitted in Term 1. Applications close at the end of Term 1.

Applications for the 2025 school year will be available in early 2025 from your school.

The SAS is made up of 2 allowances:

  • Education Program Allowance of $235 
    • This is paid to your school unless you are registered for homeschooling.
  • Clothing Allowance of $300
    • This is paid to the applicant’s nominated bank account. For public school students, parents and guardians have the option to pay it to the school.

Payments are expected to be processed by 31 May each year.