Introduction
If a child in your care must board away from home to access secondary education (Years 7 to 12), you may be eligible for the Living Away from Home Allowance.
To be eligible for the allowance, you will need to meet some pre-conditions related to:
- family income
- distance from a secondary school (public or preferred religion)
Other circumstances taken into consideration include:
- medical conditions
- impassable roads
- inability to provide adequate supervision outside school hours
- a change of residence when the student is in Year 12.
Eligibility
Your child must:
- be living away from your usual NSW home address
- have a primary carer who is a permanent resident of NSW
- be enrolled at a government secondary school (Years 7 to 12) or non-government secondary school of preferred religion.
What you need
- student's details
- parent's or carer's details
- family income information
- copies of tax assessment documents and/or Centrelink statements for the Adjusted family income calculation
- other supporting documents (where applicable)
- signature of the principal of the school the student is attending.
How to apply
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Download and complete the form:
- Check the School principal's certification page has been signed.
- Submit your application and supporting documentation by post or email, to the details on the form.
More information
- You must send in applications before 30 September of the year you are applying for the allowance.
- The allowance starts at the beginning of the year you put in the application. You get paid yearly in two equal instalments.
- For help with completing the form, call Rural and Distance Education on (02) 6334 8070 or (02) 6334 8072.
- Learn about allowances and scholarships for rural students at Rural and Distance Education.
Last updated: 28 February 2024