WA Government payments can help families cover school expenses such as notebooks, uniforms and music fees. Photo: Wo Sunan.
Claims are open for the third round of the 2026 WA Student Assistance Payment, giving Western Australian families access to hundreds of dollars in cost-of-living relief to cover school expenses.
The program, worth $90 million, is open to eligible students from kindergarten to Year 12 who are enrolled at a WA public school, non-government school or even registered for home education.
Parents have until 25 September to submit their claim.
Secondary students are eligible for payments of $250 each, and kindergarten and primary school students will receive $150 each to help cover costs such as books, IT equipment, sport and music fees, school shoes, stationery, uniforms, camps and excursions.
“That’s why the WA Student Assistance Payment is putting money back into the pockets of families with school kids,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“The start of a new school term can bring extra costs for families, and this payment gives parents and carers greater flexibility to cover those expenses.”
Parents can claim the assistance through the ServiceWA app, with alternative methods available on the Department of Education website.
Extra support is available across regional communities to help families apply.
The government is also expanding the number of Digital Assist Kiosks to improve access to cost-of-living measures, with more than 20 locations opening up across the state. These provide support to families by allowing them to submit their claims for the WA Student Assistance Payment and fuel support payments.
Claims are validated through each student’s unique WA Student Number (WASN), which is included on school reports, NAPLAN results or SmartRider cards, issued by schools.
Those who don’t know their WASN, including families with kids starting kindergarten or pre-primary, can contact their school to ask for the relevant information.
Last year, the initiative delivered 424,005 payments to families.
Education Minister Sabine Winton said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to participate fully in school, and the WA Student Assistance Payment will help families meet the everyday costs that come with learning.
“Whether it’s buying uniforms, stationery or other school essentials, the WA Student Assistance Payment helps cut costs so students can focus on their education and reaching their full potential.”
The scheme is part of more than $4 billion in cost-of-living support the government has delivered for families and small businesses since 2017.
More information on the assistance payments is available online.
