The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme is a government initiative designed to support Australian families who face challenges accessing local schooling due to geographical isolation or special circumstances. This scheme provides financial assistance to cover the costs of boarding school, homeschooling, and maintaining a second home for education.
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You can receive allowances to help manage school-related expenses if your child qualifies. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 and 2025 AIC schemes, including eligibility criteria, payment rates, and how to apply.
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AIC Payment Rates for 2024 & 2025
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme includes several allowances, each with different payment rates depending on the child’s educational needs and living arrangements. Below are the maximum payment rates for 2024 and 2025:
| AIC Allowance | Maximum Rate for 2024 | Maximum Rate for 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Allowance (Basic + Additional) | $12,816 per year: | $13,303 per year: |
| $9,960 (basic) | $10,338 (basic) | |
| $2,856 (additional, subject to parental income & boarding costs) | $2,965 (additional, subject to parental income & boarding costs) | |
| Second Home Allowance | $289.33 per fortnight, per child | $301.13 per fortnight, per child |
| Distance Education Allowance | $4,980 per year | $5,169 per year |
| Pensioner Education Supplement | $62.40 per fortnight | $62.40 per fortnight |
Types of Assistance Under AIC
1. Boarding Allowance
If your child boards away from home for schooling, you may receive a Boarding Allowance to help with accommodation costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Boarding Allowance
Your child must be living away from home and attending:
- A boarding school
- A hostel
- A private home or boarding accommodation
There are two parts to the Boarding Allowance:
- Basic Boarding Allowance – Available to all eligible students.
- Additional Boarding Allowance – Available depending on parental income and boarding fees.
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2. Distance Education Allowance
This allowance helps cover the study costs of children who are studying from home through an approved distance education program.
Eligibility Criteria for Distance Education Allowance
You can claim this allowance if:
- Your child lives at home and is enrolled in:
- Approved homeschooling
- An approved distance education program
- A Northern Territory Homeland Education Centre
3. Second Home Allowance
If your family maintains a second home so your child can attend school more easily, you may be eligible for the Second Home Allowance.
Eligibility Criteria for Second Home Allowance
You may qualify if:
- The second home is closer to school than your principal family home
- At least one parent or guardian lives in the principal family home for more than half the time while receiving the allowance
- The principal home is where the child spends school holidays
Who is Not Eligible for a Second Home Allowance?
Your home won’t qualify as a second home if:
- The second home is the normal residence of a separated or divorced parent
- You, your partner, or a dependent child receive Rent Assistance for the second home
- You received financial concessions (e.g., First Home Owner Grant, Home Builders Grant, stamp-duty concessions) when purchasing the home
- You or your partner aren’t responsible for maintaining the home
Note: If the child lives in the second home with another carer, they may still qualify for this allowance.
4. Pensioner Education Supplement
The Pensioner Education Supplement is available for children who meet special educational and living arrangements criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Pensioner Education Supplement
To qualify, all of these must apply:
- You and your child meet the eligibility criteria
- Your child is studying at a primary or ungraded education level
- Your child receives either:
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment (single)
Accepted Living Arrangements for This Supplement
Your child must be in one of the following living situations:
- Boarding away from home for school
- Living in a second home to attend a local school
- Living at home while studying via distance education
Important: If you receive this supplement for your child, you cannot claim any other allowance under the AIC Scheme for the same child.
How to Apply for the AIC Scheme?
Application Deadlines
- 2024 AIC Applications: Must be submitted before 1 March 2025
- 2025 AIC Applications: Can be submitted before, during, or after the 2025 school year
How Your Payment is Assessed
Once you submit your claim, the government will:
- Assess your eligibility based on your child’s living arrangements and schooling needs
- Determine which allowance(s) you qualify for
- Notify you of your payment amount
Why Apply for the AIC Scheme?
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme provides crucial financial relief to families facing geographical barriers to education. Whether your child needs boarding school support, home-schooling assistance, or help maintaining a second home, this scheme ensures they receive equal educational opportunities.
Key Benefits of the AIC Scheme:
✅ Financial support for school-related costs
✅ Covers boarding school, distance education, and second-home expenses
✅ Helps low-income families and pensioners with child education costs
✅ Ensures children in remote areas receive quality education
For more details, check the official Australian Government website or visit your nearest Centrelink office. Apply now and secure your child’s educational support!
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