The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Guidelines

Welcome to the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Guidelines.

What do the Guidelines cover?

The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme Guidelines has information on eligibility, payments and allowances available to help the families of primary, secondary, and certain tertiary students who cannot attend an appropriate state school on a daily basis because of geographical isolation.

General AIC Scheme information and AIC Scheme Claim forms can be obtained from the Services Australia - Centrelink:

Services Australia - Centrelink conducts assessments, processes claims and makes payments on behalf of the department.

Overview of AIC

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme helps eligible parents and carers with the extra costs of educating their children when they cannot go to an appropriate government school.

Parents and carers may need to access the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme because they:

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

If an appropriate government school is not available, the family can choose a different school for the child to attend and they can get financial assistance to assist with the additional costs.

Parents and carers may be able to receive:

  • Basic and Additional Boarding Allowances
  • Distance Education Allowance
  • Second Home Allowance
  • Pensioner Education Supplement.

All allowances under the scheme, except the Additional Boarding Allowance, are free of income and assets tests, but applicants must meet eligibility criteria.

Current Guidelines

View the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme Guidelines.

Previous Guidelines