Tasmanian Student Conveyance Allowance

What Is This Payment?

Many Tasmanian secondary students in rural and urban-fringe areas live well away from a school or a bus route, and families carry the cost of driving them. This allowance offsets some of that travel cost.

The rule database tags this as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The amount depends on how far the student actually travels, so the questionnaire confirms eligibility rather than predicting a fixed figure.

It is paid at $0.28 per kilometre for travel to the nearest school or to a school bus. Students in Years 11 and 12 living on a Bass Strait island are also covered.

How Much Can You Get?

The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none because it is calculated from actual distance. The rate is $0.28 per kilometre of eligible travel.

• $0.28 per kilometre towards travel to the nearest school or a school bus.
• Distance based, so the total depends on the daily kilometres travelled.
• Also covers Year 11-12 island students living on a Bass Strait island.

Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.

1. Tasmanian resident: state = TAS.
2. Age 19 or under: age <= 19.
3. Secondary study: study_level = secondary.
4. More than 5 km from school or a bus route: distance_to_nearest_school > 5 kilometres.

There are set application deadlines: 15 May for the full year, or 15 November for Terms 3 and 4. Applying by the relevant date keeps your allowance for the period.

Because the payment is distance based, keep a record of the daily travel. The Department of State Growth (phone 1300 135 513) administers the allowance.

How To Apply

The channels are email and form.

• Complete the conveyance allowance form and submit it by email or as directed.
• Apply by 15 May for the full year, or by 15 November for Terms 3 and 4.
• Contact the Department of State Growth on 1300 135 513 for help with the application.

Read the official Tasmanian Student Conveyance Allowance guidance

Rule-Based Scenarios

Scenario 1: a farm 12 km from the bus

Lucy's family drives her 12 km each way to the nearest school bus. At $0.28 per kilometre, the daily travel adds up across the school year.

Scenario 2: a Bass Strait island student

Oliver lives on Flinders Island in Year 11; as an island secondary student he is covered by the conveyance allowance.

Scenario 3: just under 5 km

Harper lives 4 km from school. Because the distance is not more than 5 km, she does not meet the distance test.

Scenario 4: missing the deadline

If Sam applies after 15 May, the full-year claim may be affected, though a Terms 3-4 claim by 15 November may still be possible.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting a flat payment: the allowance is $0.28 per kilometre based on actual travel, not a fixed amount.
• Misjudging the distance: you must live more than 5 km from the nearest school or bus route.
• Missing the deadline: apply by 15 May for the full year, or 15 November for Terms 3 and 4.
• Not recording travel: keep a record of daily kilometres so the allowance can be calculated.
• Assuming it is for tertiary students: the rule is for secondary students aged 19 or under.
• Overlooking the island provision: Year 11-12 students on a Bass Strait island are also covered.

Related Benefits

• Tasmanian Student Transport Concession — free or half-fare student travel on bus and ferry.
• Tasmanian Student Accommodation Allowance — $1,472 a year for Year 11-12 students living away.
• Tasmanian Apprentice and Trainee Travel Allowance — travel and accommodation help for off-the-job training.
• Tasmanian Bass Strait Islands Air Travel — 50% rebate on an annual return flight.
• Assistance for Isolated Children — federal support for students who cannot attend a local school.
• Family Tax Benefit Part A — federal payment for families with older children.

Frequently Asked Questions