FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS)?

STAS provides financial assistance for eligible families, by waiving the cost of school levies. It is provided through school and college resourcing, rather than direct to families.

What will the expansion of STAS mean for my family?

From Term 1, 2021 all families that are eligible for a Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card will be eligible for STAS. It is estimated that more than 9,000 additional students will not incur school levies as a result of this change.

What if my family is currently eligible for STAS?

Your eligibility for STAS will be assessed based on whether you hold a Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Parents who received STAS during 2020 who do not hold a concession card outlined will be approved using the 2020 process where evidence is provided to support their claim. The Department will contact parents in relation to this.

What does STAS cover?

Families who are eligible for STAS do not need to pay levies. Levies include costs for items and services that are required to complete the normal educational instruction at the school. Families eligible for STAS are also eligible for the Spectacles Assistance Scheme, which provides financial assistance towards the purchase of spectacles for students who require them from participating optometrists. STAS does not cover the cost of uniforms. The Department of Education has a School Uniform Exceptional Assistance Scheme for students in exceptional or extenuating family circumstances. For more information on this please contact the social worker at your child’s school.

I am currently receiving STAS. Do I need to reapply?

Most parents who currently receive STAS will not need to provide any additional information. If further information is required, we will make contact with you during Term 4, 2020.

Are students with their own Health Care Card eligible for STAS?

If a student holds their own Health Care Card, is recognised as independent by Centrelink, and is enrolled as an independent student, they are eligible for STAS. Students holding their own Health Care Card without independent status are not automatically eligible for STAS. Eligibility is based on their parents’ holding a Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card in their own name. This is because parents are responsible for paying school levies.

What support will be provided to schools to assist with the expansion of STAS?

Schools’ 2021 budgets are not affected by the expansion of STAS, with additional funding provided to schools to offset families no longer paying levies.

How do I apply for the expanded STAS?

Detailed information about eligibility for STAS can be found in the Student Financial Assistance Guidelines. Online applications will open for the 2021 school year early in Term 4, 2020. If you would prefer a paper-based application, you can request a form from your school office.

Who do I contact if I have a question in relation to STAS?

Questions about STAS can be forwarded to the Department of Education’s Financial Services Unit at stas@education.tas.gov.au or by calling 1800 827 055.