AIC - Home Education QLD Inc

Allowance for Isolated Children (AIC)

The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme is a Centrelink payment that provides financial support each school term to eligible parents and carers whose children cannot attend a local government school because of geographical isolation, disability, or certain medical or other approved circumstances.

Some families who home educate, including those registered for home education or enrolled in Distance Education, may be eligible for the AIC Scheme. However, it is important to note that this is not a payment specifically for home education.

If your application is based on your child having a disability, anxiety, or another medical condition, you will need supporting evidence from a medical professional. This may include confirmation that your child is unable to attend school for 20 days or more, or that a home-based education environment is more appropriate because of their condition.

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. You can find more information about the AIC Scheme, including the eligibility criteria and application forms at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/assistance-for-isolated-children-scheme.

What is the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC)?

Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) is a Centrelink financial support paid per term for parents and carers of children, who can’t go to a local government school because of geographical isolation, disability or other medical health need.
It is available to some home educators both with QHE and a DE school, but it is not a ‘homeschool payment’.
In most cases related to your child having a disability or anxiety, you will need a medical professional to fill in a portion of the forms to show that the child cannot attend school (20 days or more) due to their condition, or that the home education environment is better for the child.
More details, and application forms are here

Am I eligible for the AIC?

Eligibility will depend on your child's condition and their inability to attend school.
Full QHE registration (not provisional) or enrolment in a DE school is required.
The Geographic location isolation AIC is income means tested, the medical needs AIC is not based on income.
In addition to the initial eligibility criteria, ongoing receipt of the AIC payment requires annual evidence of continuing registration or enrolment in a DE school.
A renewal form is sent in October each year to check eligibility, and may have instructions for an updated medical form (if applicable).
Not all home educated children will be eligible for this payment.
See Centrelink website for detailed information about eligibility and how to submit claims. Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme - Services Australia

Who needs to fill out the AIC forms? Do I need a GP or specialist?

A parent/guardian needs to fill out the claim form (SY040) – Claim for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) form (SY040) - Services Australia
You may also require a Medical Statement – Student Special Needs form which must be completed by a medical practitioner/specialist. (SY099) – Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) medical statement - Student special needs form (SY099) - Services Australia
Any additional forms required will be determined as by the reasoning for home educating.

When do I need to submit the AIC form?

To claim AIC for any calendar year, your form must be submitted by the 1^st March the following year
- For example: if you’re claiming for 2024 you can submit a claim before, during or after that school year. You need to submit a claim for 2024 by 1 March 2025.
You may be back paid depending on when you registered or enrolled, and when you submitted the form.
Upload your form as a ‘document’ in your Centrelink app. Phone the AIC line in a few days to check this has been received and actioned.

Where can I get help with filling out the AIC form?

The best source of information is the dedicated AIC helpline on 132 318.
This line is less busy than usual Centrelink services, and the staff have been remarkably helpful and will take the time to help you answer all questions.
The Home Education Network have a page to help to fill in the forms here: https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/assistance-for-isolated-children/