Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme helps parents and guardians with the extra costs of educating their children.

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme can help parents and guardians responsible for school-aged students who cannot get to an appropriate state school on a daily basis because: 

• they live in an isolated area
• they have a disability
• they have special health needs

This includes students who are undertaking primary education, secondary education, or are school-aged but taking tertiary courses. 

Parents and guardians may be able to receive one of the following allowances:

• Basic Boarding Allowance
• Distance Education Allowance
• Distance Education Allowance Supplement
• Second Home Allowance

Parents and guardians may also qualify for Additional Boarding Allowance. This allowance is income tested and depends on things such as the student’s living arrangements during the school year and the number of children in the family who are eligible.

Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme payments are usually paid to the parent or guardian. As a parent or guardian you can choose to have your payments paid direct to the school or place of accommodation.