Skip to navigation Skip to content

Eligibility for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) 010-03040040

Expand/Collapse all sectionsExpand all


This document outlines the eligibility criteria for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme Pensioner Education Supplement (PES). Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme additional PES payment helps with the educational costs of families with children who are unable to attend an appropriate state school because of geographic isolation or special health-related or educational needs.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for AIC PES, general AIC eligibility criteria must be met for the applicant and student.

The student must also:

  • be undertaking approved study at primary or equivalent ungraded level
  • be receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP) or Parenting Payment Single (PPS), and
  • qualify for either Boarding Allowance (BA), Second Home Allowance (SHA) or Distance Education Allowance (DED) if they were not receiving a pension

Qualification relies primarily upon receipt of an income support payment. Receipt of the payment must be verified before PES assessment can proceed.

DSP and PPS customers

Students receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP) or Parenting Payment (PPS) who are studying full-time at primary or equivalent ungraded level may receive PES under AIC until they turn 21.

Secondary students (and tertiary students) receiving DSP or PPS who are aged at least 16 may apply for ABSTUDY PES, or PES, whichever is appropriate.

ABSTUDY PES

Secondary or tertiary students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent should be advised that PES payments are available under the ABSTUDY Scheme. There are some differences in the additional payments available and the student's circumstances should be considered and sufficient information provided to ensure the student can make an informed decision.

Residence requirements for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme

Age requirements for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme

Australian Government Assistance other than Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme received by applicant or student

Isolation conditions for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme

Approved studies for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme

Determining who can be the applicant for Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme purposes

Eligibility for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme allowances

Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) qualifications

ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) qualifications

Cancellation of, or changes to, qualifying payment for Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)