Isolation conditions for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) 010-03030040

Item

Evidence required

1

Geographical isolation Rules 1 and 2

Most families claiming AIC due to geographical isolation do not normally need to provide evidence. If the distance(s) from the principal family home to the nearest state school(s) and/or any transport services to those schools that are being claimed, is just over the minimum AIC geographical isolation criteria, evidence may be required.

Send the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Marginal Distance Confirmation (SY069) form to the applicant when the distance they claim cannot be determined or is close to being met.

The applicant and their local bus company proprietor and/or local government representative (for example, shire clerk/engineer or other authority), needs to complete the SY069 form.

2

Geographical isolation Rule 3, excessive travel time

When the applicant is claiming AIC due to excessive travel time, they need to provide evidence.

For example, the return travel time(s) from the principal family home to the nearest state school(s) via any transport service(s) to those schools is at least 180 minutes. This is the minimum requirement under Rule 3.

Send the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Marginal Distance Confirmation (SY069) form to the applicant. They and their local bus company proprietor and/or local government representative, (for example, shire clerk/engineer or other authority), need to complete the form.

3

Geographical isolation Rule 3, adverse weather conditions and/or other circumstances beyond the family's control

A statement from the school showing the actual dates of absences due to adverse conditions in previous year for either:

• the student
• a sibling, or
• a neighbouring student

If unavailable, a report stating the road or waterway was impassable on particular dates. It should state that there have been no significant upgrades since.

The reports will be accepted from:

• shire engineer/clerk
• bus company proprietor
• the local/state/national roads, or
• water and/or land management authority

Other circumstances beyond the family's control may be approved. Independent evidence must support the claim.

• The evidence needs to establish the circumstance and impact on the student's daily access to schooling for at least 20 school days
• Extra supporting evidence may be needed to independently verify the claim at any time

Where this is not available, evidence must be detailed enough to demonstrate the impact on daily attendance at school by:

• adverse travel conditions, or
• other circumstances

4

Geographical isolation Rule 3, parents cannot transport child

Documentation confirming that:

• the parent(s) is/are medically unfit to drive and the expected duration of this situation, or
• there is no record of a registered vehicle for parents without access to a vehicle

5

Special needs

The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Medical Statement - Student Special Needs (SY099) form is used as medical evidence. In some cases, it may be necessary to review the supporting medical documents provided by specialists to make an assessment.

Students with special needs should normally provide supporting evidence each year. This ensures a change in circumstances does not affect their eligibility.

Evidence is not needed for each year in the following cases:

• the student's condition is permanent and requires ongoing access to special facilities not available locally
• the evidence provided the previous year indicated the student's treatment or course will continue for the current year
• the student had a special need in year 11 and is entering year 12 at the same school (and is eligible for the year 12 Continuity of Schooling concession)
• the student has been expelled

For temporary circumstances, evidence must include an estimate of how long the condition or circumstance will continue. If an estimate is not possible, the form should be dated no earlier than 1 July of the year before the one to which the claim relates.

Who can complete or provide the medical evidence?

Medical evidence is from a medical practitioner, specialist (where the condition requires specialist treatment) or, in some circumstances, an allied health professional. To determine if the person is a medical practitioner or an allied health professional, see Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Register of practitioners.

Evidence provided by an allied health professional who must satisfy all the following criteria as a minimum, must:

• have a demonstrated capacity to provide the evidence in relation to the special needs claim, for example, a psychologist providing evidence of a special need relating to trauma
• have a tertiary qualification (as a minimum)
• be accredited and registered (as required in the state or territory) to provide consultation on a public or private basis

If the allied health professional meets any of the following additional criteria in relation to the special need, the evidence they provide is to be given greater weight in establishing the special need. This could be:

• a specialisation
• demonstrated experience, or
• an additional qualification, for example, a Masters level qualification in clinical psychology

In exceptional circumstances, evidence may be sought from an allied health professional when:

• due to distance or isolation, it would be an unfair burden on the family to source evidence from a medical practitioner
• a medical practitioner refers the student to an allied health professional, for example, to a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist
• the medical practitioner is considered unsuitable by the family to provide advice, for example, when the only doctor near the family home is a male doctor, and the student is a female. They may wish to see a female allied health professional in cases of sexual trauma or mental health

Examples of allied health professionals are (but are not limited to):

• Audiologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychologist
• Speech Pathologist

6

Student attends a special school

No evidence is needed for students who need to live full-time at a special school or at a special institution which specifically caters for students with:

• disabilities
• other health-related conditions, or
• learning difficulties

The special school/institution must meet geographical isolation rules.

7

Student needs access to special facilities or a special environment

For students who need access to special facilities for a health-related condition or, need to live in a different environment for health reasons, the evidence needs to:

• establish the nature of the condition
• show the facilities or environment are not accessible at a local school or in the vicinity of the student's principal family home
• confirm the student's condition is better managed or overcome by access to the facilities or environment
• outline how the facility or the environment will aid the management of the condition

Note: if the medical evidence does not specify the above, a statement from the facility or environment outlining how it will aid the management of the condition is required.

For health conditions that are not clearly serious, the evidence must show that:

• there is no suitable medication or treatment that is both:
• reasonably available, and
• able to alleviate the effects of the condition
• the condition is likely to result in the student being absent from local schooling on at least 20 school days in a year

8

Student needs to study from home

For students who need to study from home, the medical evidence needs to:

• establish the nature of the condition
• show it would be harmful to the student's health (not merely a discomfort) if they were to attend school daily (excluding pregnancy)

For health conditions that are not clearly serious, the evidence must show that:

• there is no suitable medication or treatment that is both:
• reasonably available, and
• able to alleviate the effects of the condition
• the condition is likely to result in the student being absent from local schooling on at least 20 school days in a year

9

Student needs to be removed from local school environment

For students who need to be removed from the local school for mental or physical health reasons or expulsion, the following must be provided:

• a statement from the chief executive of the state/territory government education authority (not local school) or their delegate, stating:
• the reason for the removal of the student (in broad terms only, for example interpersonal problems affecting health, expulsion)
• the family and the school have attempted, without success, to resolve the problem, and
• there is no suitable local school that the student can attend daily
• medical evidence to establish personal problems affecting mental or physical health, if the removal is because of this (for example, bullying, harassment):
• the nature of the condition, and
• the linkage between the condition and the need for the student to be removed from the local school environment

10

Student needs testing or support for a learning disability

For students who need testing and/or specialist learning support for a diagnosed learning difficulty, ask for:

• a statement from the relevant education authorities supporting:
• the need for the testing/support program, and
• the required testing or support is not available locally
• evidence from the school or facility giving details of the program (in the case of a student needing learning support)

An education authority could include:

• state/territory education authority
• Catholic education office, or
• similar body for other independent schools

Note: a statement from a teacher or counsellor at the school is not sufficient evidence on its own.

11

Suffering serious educational disadvantage at the local state school

A student cannot be considered as suffering from serious educational disadvantage solely based on:

• non-core subjects (for example, subjects other than maths, science and English, such as agriculture) being studied by distance education methods
• a desire for the student to attend a school of choice, including a school that is classified as 'specialist' or 'selective' or a school that will 'enhance the student's academic prospects'
• the standard of teaching facilities
• the socio-economic, racial or ethnic mix of a school
• inability to continue study in the same subjects or the same system after the student's parents have moved from one non-geographically isolated area to another
• family connections with another school
• difficulties with out-of-school care arrangements
• a desire for a family to send a child to a boarding school

Ask for a statement from the CEO of the state/territory education authority (for example, the Director-General), or their delegate (not local school):

• stating the reason that the local school is inappropriate for the student's needs
• confirming that the student would be seriously educationally disadvantaged if unable to study elsewhere
• if required:
• the particular 'core' subject is an essential part of study for all students in the jurisdiction, at that particular year level; or
• in educational jurisdictions that define core competencies, the core competency cannot be met by any of the subjects offered at the school
• delivery of the subject by correspondence is not appropriate for this individual student; and
• that the state/territory authority has no objection to AIC allowances being paid

12

Deemed isolated, parental work requires frequent moves

Evidence must support the applicant's claim by showing their travel is a necessary part of earning their livelihood and not just a preference.

Ask for:

• evidence that their particular trade or skills directly cause their itinerancy, if it is not self-evident (for example, occupation is show worker)
• a statement from the applicant showing details of planned travel movements in the year of study and, where relevant, travel movements for the past 12 months. Locations and dates employed at those locations must be included
• supporting evidence from employer(s) or other authorities of the family's past and proposed movements, and
• a statement from the storage company, if the relocation of the family involves the placement of the majority of their belongings in storage

13

Deemed isolated, claim in anticipation of a change in family's circumstances that would make student eligible for AIC later in the year

Also known as reverse continuity of schooling concession.

Evidence may be needed if, a change in the family's circumstances is anticipated for later in the year that could make the student eligible for AIC. For example, if:

• the student is placed into boarding
• a second home is set up, so the student has access to schooling, or
• the student commences distance education or other approved education

Back payment of AIC needs evidence showing the parent or guardian was aware of the proposed change of circumstances at the time the student started:

• boarding
• studying by distance education, or other approved education, or
• living in the second home

The type of evidence depends on the change in the family's circumstances making the student eligible for AIC later in the year.

Examples:

If a parent or guardian told of:

• a proposed job transfer to a geographically isolated area, evidence would be:
• a statement from an employer showing when they were told of the proposed job transfer
• a future change in school bus services, evidence would be:
• a copy of a letter from a bus company saying when they were told of the service changes

Item

Example

1

Rule 1

Allen lives in Coral Bay (WA), and studies via School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) for year 7.

The nearest appropriate government school is Exmouth District High School, 154 km away (> 56 km).

This satisfies the criteria for Allen to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 1.

2

Rule 2

Michelle lives in a second home in Kempsey (NSW) to attend St Pauls College, the principal family home is a short distance outside the town of Bellbrook where the nearest bus stop is located.

The nearest appropriate government school is Kempsey High School.

• As per the Marginal Distance Confirmation form (SY069), the distance from the principal family home to the bus stop located in Bellbrook, is 5km (> 4.5km)
• The distance from the principal family home to the nearest appropriate government school is 50.2 km (> 16km)

This satisfies the criteria for Michelle to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 2.

3

Rule 3

John's principal family home is in Dingo Beach (QLD), and the nearest appropriate government school is Proserpine State School which is 41.5 km away. There is a bus stop 50 m from their home.

Due to frequent tropical cyclones the only road in and out of Dingo Beach often becomes flooded and impassable, therefore, John attends and boards at Rockhampton Grammar School.

Scenario 1:

John's parent supplies a letter from the Whitsunday Regional Council, outlining the dates Dingo Beach Rd was impassable due to flooding. The letter states the number of school days across the year that the road was impassable was 27 days.

This satisfies the criteria for John to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 3.

Scenario 2:

John's parent supplies a letter from Whitsunday Transit (local bus proprietor), outlining the dates Dingo Beach Rd was unsafe for the bus to travel along due to recent flooding. However, Whitsunday Transit continued to pick up students from the Gregory River bus stop 19.4 km from their principal family home.

The number of school days this arrangement occurred across the year was 21 days. During this time, the distance from the principal family home to the nearest appropriate government school is 41.5 km and the distance from the principal family home to the bus stop is 19.4 km.

This satisfies the criteria for John to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 3, as the student becomes isolated under Rule 2 for at least 20 school days in the year.

4

Bypass schools

Shailey boards and attends Ulverstone Secondary College for year 11. Their principal family home is in Rosebery (TAS).

Although Rosebery District High School is 250 m from the principal family home, the school is on the bypass list for years 11/12 (2025), therefore, the nearest appropriate government school is Ulverstone Secondary College, 135 kms away.

5

Shortest Practical Route

Adrian's principal family home is in Tallimba (NSW). The nearest appropriate government school is Tallimba Public School, which is 14.1km away, with a bus stop 2.6 km away.

Scenario 1:

The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Marginal Distance Confirmation (SY069) form completed by the local bus proprietor (Tallimba Bus Service), confirmed the bus route from the pick-up point to the nearest appropriate government school is 54 km, therefore, the shortest practical route is the distance from the principal family home to the bus stop 2.6 km + the route used by the bus service to the school, 54 km.

This satisfies the criteria for Adrian to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 1, as the shortest practical route is 56.6 km.

Scenario 2:

The SY069 completed by the local bus proprietor (Tallimba Bus Service), confirmed the bus route from the pick-up point to the nearest appropriate government school is 54 km in the morning, however, the afternoon trip from the nearest appropriate government school to the drop-off point is 15 km.

Therefore, the shortest practical route is the distance from the principal family home to the bus stop 2.6 km + the average of the 2 routes used by the bus service to/from the school 54 km + 15 km = 69 km/2 = 34.5 km.

This no longer meets the criteria for Adrian to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 1 or 2, as the shortest practical route is 34.5 km, and the bus stop is 2.6 km.

6

Itinerant work

Carla's parent's travel along the east coast of Australia in a caravan for work. They can provide a letter from The Showman's Guild of Australasia confirming their employment and requirements to travel.

Carla's parents also provide a statement outlining the planned travel movements across the year, with dates and locations.

The total number of non-consecutive school days that would be missed because of the itinerant lifestyle is greater than 100 days.

This satisfies the criteria for Carla to be considered geographically isolated under 4.4.2 Parental work requires frequent moves.

7

Principal family home near state or territory border

The town of Mungindi lies in between QLD and NSW. Sebastian lives on the QLD side of the town.

The nearest appropriate government school in QLD for year 9 is Dirranbandi P-10 State School, which is 105 kms away.

Scenario 1:

Sebastian attends and boards at Brisbane Grammar School (QLD).

This satisfies the criteria for Sebastian to be considered geographically isolated under Rule 1, as the nearest appropriate government school for QLD is > 56 km away.

Scenario 2:

Sebastian attends and boards at The King's School (NSW).

As Sebastian is attending a school in another state, the nearest appropriate government school becomes Mungindi Central School (NSW), which is 1.4 km from the principal family home.

Therefore, Sebastian is not considered geographically isolated.

8

Special needs

The doctor has advised on the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Medical Statement - Student Special Needs (SY099) form that Fiona's health condition is temporary and is to be reviewed in 24 months.

Claim received for 2025 (AIC eligible from 1 January 2025).

The EIC Isolation Details (EIID) screen requires 2 event dates for the isolation condition to cover the 24-month period, to re-verify the condition and request a new SY099 in the appropriate End of Year Review (EOY).

Entry 1

• Event Date: key 01/01/25
• Special Needs Reason: key SPT (permanent)

Entry 2

• Event Date: key 01/01/26
• Special Needs Reason: key SPH (temporary)

This coding reflects the isolation condition is established/met for 24 months (2025 and 2026). When the EOY is issued in October 2026, a new SY099 will be requested.

9

Special School

Hayden is enrolled with Autism Queensland School (AQ). As the school is considered a specialty school, no medical evidence (Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Medical Statement - Student Special Needs (SY099) form) is required. This is because medical evidence is needed to enrol with the school.

Scenario 1:

Hayden is enrolled with the Sunnybank Hills Campus (QLD) and lives in Forest Lake (QLD). The Applicant indicated on the claim that Hayden was studying via distance education; however, the Proof of Enrolment (POE) states Hayden is enrolled with and attending the Sunnybank Hills Campus.

Although an isolation criterion (Special School) is met, AIC is not payable as Hayden is attending the school daily. Therefore, the claim is rejected NOP - Student in non-approved living arrangement.

Scenario 2:

Hayden is enrolled with the Sunnybank Hills Campus (QLD) and lives in Inglewood (QLD). The Applicant indicated on the claim that Hayden was studying via distance education; the Proof of Enrolment (POE) states Hayden is enrolled with Sunnybank Hills Campus under the AQ Distance Education program.

This satisfies the criteria for Hayden to be considered Isolated under 4.3.5.3 Student needs to study from home, and 4.3.5.1 Student attends a special school. Hayden is also meeting an approved living arrangement by studying via distance education.

10

Student would suffer serious educational disadvantage

Stacey's parents wish to send Stacey to the Western Australian College of Agriculture Narrogin for year 7, to have access to the specific agricultural programs offered by the school and other core subjects. The Western Australian College of Agriculture Narrogin is 81kms from principal family home.

Scenario 1:

Stacey's principal family home is in Dumbleyung (WA). The nearest appropriate government school is Wagin District High School, 39.6 kms away. There is a bus stop 0.5 km from their principal family home.

Stacey is not considered geographically isolated, nor would Stacey suffer serious educational disadvantage at the local school, as the agricultural program is a non-core subject, and Wagin District High School offers all core subjects.

AIC should not be approved.

Scenario 2:

The nearest appropriate government school, Wagin District High School, which is 39.6 kms away, does not offer a core subject (English) face to face. The school is not listed on the limited schools list as they are able to provide English subjects via distance education.

The Department of Education WA provides a letter advising that Stacey would suffer serious educational disadvantage at the local school. They support Stacey studying at another school to receive face to face tuition for English and have no objection to AIC being paid.

AIC may be granted under 4.3.5.7 Student would suffer serious educational disadvantage at local school.

Note: where the nearest state school is identified by the state or territory government education authority as a 'selective' or 'specialist' school, it is not considered to be the nearest appropriate state school unless it is the school the student is attending.

11

Special facilities or environment

Michael has a learning disability that impacts their ability to learn at the same pace as other students at the local school. Michael's principal family home is in Lismore (NSW), but Michael is attending and boarding at The Southport School (QLD) to receive special assistance.

The Southport School have provided a letter outlining how they aid in assisting Michael with his learning abilities, such as:

• one on one learning
• additional tutoring
• adjusted exam conditions
• on site psychologist and occupational therapist

This satisfies the criteria for Michael to be considered Isolated under 4.3.5.2 Student needs access to special facilities or a special environment.

Area

External link

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