The Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) is an allowance program, delivered by the Department of Education, to assist low-income families who hold an eligible concession card, with secondary schooling costs. The scheme is open to parents or guardians of Years 7 to 12 students, in public or non-government schools, or registered for home schooling.
The Secondary Assistance Scheme comprises of two allowances:
- The Education Program Allowance (EPA), of $235, paid directly to the school. For students in Years 7 to 10, this allowance will be applied towards the voluntary contribution. Any balance will be applied against charges or as negotiated with the parent/guardian. For students in Years 11 to 12, the EPA will be applied to cover charges in the first instance.
- The Clothing Allowance (CLA), of $300, paid to the applicant’s nominated bank account. For public school students, parents and guardians have the option to pay it to the school for other expenses.
For more information about eligibility and how to receive payments, visit the Department of Education website.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the parent or guardian(s) must hold at least one of these concession cards:
- Centrelink Health Care Card
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
- Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession (blue) Card.
The concession card must:
- be valid for at least 4 weeks
- be valid for some time within Term 1
- have the student listed on it
- not be expired at the time of applying for SAS.
Students are not eligible if:
- they are born in the year 2004 or before.
- If a year 11 or 12 student is not listed on the parent/guardian concession card, both the parent/guardian and student must produce their cards.
Independent students must:
- Attach a letter of confirmation or statement from Centrelink (which specifically has the word “independent” stated) to the application.
- Hold a concession card that is valid for at least four weeks, and the validity covers any time in Term 1.
If a grandparent is applying, they must:
- Be the primary caregiver of the child/children.
- Be the recognised guardian.
- Have the student listed on their concession card.
Application Process
- The Application forms must not be altered and be completed at the school or emailed to the school during Term 1 only.
- If the parent/guardian can’t physically attend school to complete an application or complete via email, they can use a certifying witness. For more information about this, please contact Administration during business hours.