School Costs for Grandchildren in Kinship Care in Australia

January arrives and suddenly you're buying two sets of school shoes, a stack of textbooks, and a uniform that costs more than you expected. For grandparent carers who took on a child mid-year, the next school term can feel like another financial cliff. The good news is that several federal and state schemes specifically help with school-related costs — but you need to know where to look, because none of them are grouped together in one place.

The FTB Part A End-of-Year Supplement

If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A for the grandchild, it includes an end-of-year supplement — $970.90 per eligible child for the 2026–27 financial year — paid after annual income reconciliation, provided your combined Adjusted Taxable Income is $80,000 or less.

This isn't labelled as a "school payment," but it can help with these costs. It's paid as a lump sum after the end of the financial year, which means it won't help with January costs unless you've been receiving fortnightly FTB instalments and can redirect some of that towards school supplies in advance.

State-Based Back-to-School Assistance

Several states and territories offer additional school cost help, particularly for children in formal kinship or foster care:

New South Wales — DCJ's Establishment Crisis Payment can help authorised carers cover essential items when a child enters out-of-home care, including school uniforms and initial school needs. It is not automatic; amounts depend on placement type (up to $200 for crisis, $350 for short-term, or $1,400 for long-term placements). Ask the caseworker before buying items.

Victoria — The 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides $400 for each eligible primary or secondary student at a registered Victorian school. A parent or carer must hold a qualifying means-tested concession card on the first school day of Term 1 or Term 2. Applications for 2026 closed on 26 June; ask the school about the next application window.

Queensland — The Textbook and Resource Allowance is available for Years 7–12 students at state and approved non-state schools. For kinship carers with a Child Safety placement, the start-up/outfitting allowance is a one-off payment for initial set-up costs for placements longer than five nights; shorter placements can be considered based on the child's needs and the carer's circumstances.

South Australia — The School Card scheme covers school fees and materials for eligible low-income families. Grandparent carers should apply using the School Card F form for informal or formal care arrangements; approval is not automatic just because you receive a Centrelink income support payment.

Western Australia — The Secondary Assistance Scheme provides an Education Program Allowance of $235 and a Clothing Allowance of $115 for eligible Years 7–12 students at public or non-government schools. Eligibility includes having the student's name on an eligible concession card. Applications are made through the school during Term 1; the 2026 window closed on 2 April.

School Fee Exemptions and Payment Plans

Ask the school about hardship support or payment arrangements before charges are due. The options depend on the school and state; a concession card does not guarantee a fee waiver.

Catholic and independent schools sometimes offer fee relief through bursary programs. These are school-by-school, but it's always worth asking — schools are generally accommodating when a grandparent carer explains the situation.

Immunisation and Health Check Requirements

This catches people off guard: if the grandchild isn't up to date on immunisations, your FTB Part A is reduced by $36.54 per fortnight — about $953 per year. Children turning four also need to complete a Healthy Start for School health check if you're on an income support payment.

When a child moves into your care, their immunisation records may be incomplete or disconnected from your Medicare record. Check the Australian Immunisation Register through myGov, and book any catch-up vaccinations with your GP. The school will also ask for an immunisation history statement at enrolment.

Pulling It Together

The practical sequence for a grandparent carer preparing for the school year:

1. Confirm your FTB Part A is being paid; check separately whether you or the child qualify for a concession card.
2. Check the child's immunisation status on the Australian Immunisation Register.
3. Apply for CSEF, School Card, or the relevant state assistance through the school office — take your concession card.
4. Ask the school about fee exemptions before the invoice arrives.
5. If you're a statutory carer, contact your caseworker about start-up or clothing allowances.

The Centrelink Payments for Grandparents guide includes a school-year checklist alongside the payment claim steps, so you can line up the financial support before term starts.

See more Australia guides →