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.

Low-income families can get financial assistance with secondary school costs for Years 7 to 12 by applying for the SAS. The scheme is open to parents and guardians with children enrolled in public or non-government schools or registered for homeschooling.

The SAS has 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 have the option to pay the clothing allowance toward the school for other expenses.

Speak to your child's school to discuss your eligibility. If you're a home educator, contact your nearest education regional office.

On 1 July 2024, the state government announced the SAS clothing allowance will increase from $115 to $300 for the 2024 and 2025 school years. This will provide cost-of-living relief for eligible families.

You're eligible for the SAS if you:

  • hold an eligible concession card, with the student's name on it. This could be either a:
    • Services Australia (Centrelink) Pensioner Concession card
    • Services Australia (Centrelink) Health Care card
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession card, the 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 already claimed for the same student in the same year nor has another parent or guardian
  • are not a foster parent
  • are an independent student in secondary school with an eligible concession card.

Students are eligible up to and including the year they turn 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 a 2025 application form from the school where your child is enrolled. If you homeschool your child, contact your education regional office.
  2. Complete the entire application form and gather the required supporting documentation.
  3. Submit your application and supporting documentation to your school. If you homeschool, follow the application information on the form. 

You can only submit applications in Term 1.

You must submit your application by no later than 11 April 2025.

The SAS is made up of 2 allowances:

  • The Education Program Allowance is $235. This is paid to your school unless you are registered for homeschooling.
  • The Clothing Allowance is $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.

We expect to process payments by 31 May.