- Successful WA Student Assistance Payment program is now complete, with more than $75 million in cost of living relief distributed to WA families
- Almost 400,000 students and their families - 80 per cent of those eligible to claim - supported to meet the costs of sending their children to school
- Low-income families to receive additional support through increased Secondary School Clothing Allowance and KidSport vouchers
The Cook Labor Government today announced the conclusion of its successful WA Student Assistance Payment program, which distributed more than $75 million in important cost of living support to almost 400,000 school students and their families.
With the payment of claims finalised in recent days, the initiative delivered 392,000 payments between 15 April and 28 June 2024 to assist WA parents and carers with costs associated with sending their children to school - such as school uniforms, books, excursions, equipment and other essential items.
This equated to approximately 80 per cent of eligible recipients with students enrolled in WA schools receiving a payment, with information about the program translated into more than 15 languages for public awareness and comprehensive support offered to people who needed help to submit their claims.
More than 71 per cent of claims were lodged safely and efficiently through the Service WA app, with others submitted using web and paper forms.
The suburbs with the highest uptake for claimed funds were Baldivis, Canning Vale and Ellenbrook, with Australind, Broome and South Hedland among the top 20 in the regions.
Since the closure of the claims period, the State Government has also announced a $9.5 million boost to the Clothing Allowance, providing an extra $185 for secondary school students from low-income families. The increased allowance is available to eligible families in addition to the WA Student Assistance Payment and brings total Secondary Assistance Scheme support to $535 per year for both 2024 and 2025.
A total of $500,000 has also been provided to WA-based charity Give Write to support its work distributing new and recycled stationery to school children in need - particularly in regional areas.
Assistance available to eligible families through the Government's successful KidSport voucher program has also been significantly increased to $500 for 2025, with more announcements to be made soon to ensure any remaining funds from the WA Student Assistance Payment end up in the pockets of WA families.
For more information and individual suburb and school data visit: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/wasap/
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We are very proud to have delivered this opportunity to WA families with school-aged children to help with their ongoing school costs.
"I know Western Australians have experienced additional out-of-pocket expenses this year and are feeling cost-of-living pressures, so I am thrilled to see this payment reach them.
"For a program of this kind, the strong take up of 80 per cent of eligible school students is an incredible outcome that I know will make a huge difference to WA households.
"I am pleased that we can also deliver additional targeted support for low-income families by boosting the Secondary Assistance Scheme over the next two years, to assist with the cost of school uniforms, and we will continue to look at ways to support West Australians with the cost of living."
Top 20 Metro Suburbs for funds claimed
Suburb Amount Paid
Baldivis $1,613,300
Canning Vale $1,086,000
Ellenbrook $978,650
Byford $846,750
Willetton $840,550
Piara Waters $741,750
Thornlie $709,400
Gosnells $632,800
Landsdale $607,150
Duncraig $606,950
Harrisdale $585,650
Aveley $554,400
Dianella $550,900
Southern River $548,450
Wellard $539,200
Ballajura $536,450
Secret Harbour $529,850
Morley $518,100
Seville Grove $449,450
Banksia Grove $448,400
Top 20 Regional Suburbs for funds claimed
Suburb Amount Paid
Australind $583,750
Halls Head $400,250
Dalyellup $371,250
Meadow Springs $285,500
Broome $285,250
Margaret River $279,850
Bunbury $276,850
Dunsborough $248,950
Eaton $248,550
Greenfields $240,800
Dawesville $223,000
South Hedland $222,750
Northam $219,550
Collie $201,750
South Bunbury $187,250
Mandurah $187,000
West Busselton $183,650
Kalgoorlie $169,500
Madora Bay $161,950
Baynton $160,000
