Children and wellbeing
School costs and support for children
Ask about school expenses, practical assistance and safe communication when family circumstances change.
Start with a trusted school contact
Ask the school about required expenses, voluntary contributions, payment plans and hardship help. Tell a trusted staff member what your child needs without sharing unnecessary private details. Government and non-government schools can have different fee arrangements.
Do not assume every requested contribution is compulsory or that all fees can be waived. Ask what the payment covers and what happens if you cannot pay. NSW explains voluntary school contributions in its public-school guidance. Other jurisdictions and school sectors have their own rules.
Check assistance in your state
Look for uniform, device, transport, camp and school-expense assistance on your state page. Card requirements, year levels, school sectors and application windows vary. Some seasonal programs are closed; a past announcement does not mean applications are open now.
Ask the school or administering agency how to apply, what evidence they need and whether assistance is a payment to you, a credit to the school or a service. Practical community help may also be available locally.
Keep school contact and arrangements safe
Ask how the school handles emergency contacts, collection permissions, online parent portals and sharing addresses. Provide current court orders through the school process where relevant. Changing a school or moving children may need legal advice.
Children should not carry messages about disputes or money between adults. Ask about wellbeing support, learning needs, disability adjustments and referrals. If contact with the other parent is unsafe, get specialist help with the school arrangements.
Your next step
Use the official links above, or find local services in your state.
Sources for this guide
- NSW voluntary school contributions (external website) Reviewed 5 October 2026
- Services for children after separation (external website) Reviewed 5 October 2026
Related guides
Wording reviewed 5 October 2026. Numerical rules have separate verification dates on Sources and updates.