The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme offers financial support to families in remote locations who have children that are unable to attend school on a daily basis because of geographic isolation.
The Scheme provides allowances based upon the principle that all Australian children should have reasonable access to an appropriate government school and geographically isolated families incur additional costs to educate children.
In 2007, this scheme provided more than $56 million to 11,500 rural and isolated school students with a similar number anticipated for 2008.
Eligibility criteria
Children in primary secondary schools and certain tertiary students who are unable to attend an appropriate government school on a daily basis may be eligible for assistance.
An appropriate government school is one that offers the student's level of study or, if the student has special health-related or educational needs, one that provides access to the facilities, programmes, and/or environment required for those needs.
How can I claim for AIC?
Centrelink administers the AIC Scheme. Claim forms or information on eligibility can be obtained by:
telephone: 13 23 18
website: www.centrelink.gov.au 
or
visit your nearest Centrelink office
Guidelines and Policy Manual