WA Student Assistance Payment - Primary and Kindergarten
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_WA_STUDENT_ASSISTANCE_PAYMENT_PRIMARY (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2024). It explains the Western Australian Student Assistance Payment for kindergarten and primary students - a flat $150 per eligible child paid each year to help with the cost of schooling.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify when you live in Western Australia, have dependent children and at least one of them is enrolled in kindergarten or primary school. The payment is a flat $150 per eligible primary or kindergarten student.
It pays cash: the amount is a fixed $150 multiplied by your primary_school_children_count. With state = WA and dependent_children = true, a family with two primary-school kids receives $300 for the year.
Outcome summary: a predictable annual top-up that helps cover uniforms, books, excursions and other back-to-school costs, paid in rounds (2024 Round 1, 2025 Round 2, 2026 Round 3) with the rate held steady at $150 per child.
What Is This Payment?
The WA Student Assistance Payment is a cost-of-living measure run by the Western Australia Department of Education. It gives families a set amount for each enrolled child so the start of the school year does not blow a hole in the household budget.
In the rule database this is a Group A benefit with monetary_primary as its result role: it produces a real dollar payment, not just a concession or a card. The primary-and-kindergarten stream pays $150 per eligible student.
It is a standing annual program, not a one-off 2026-27 budget announcement. Each year the Department opens a new round and the rate has stayed constant at $150 per primary or kindergarten student.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is fixed with a yearly period. The base is $0 and you receive $150 for every primary or kindergarten student ($150 x primary_school_children_count).
- One primary or kindergarten child: $150 for the year.
- Two children: $300 for the year.
- Three children: $450 for the year.
The rate is the same in every round - it does not taper with income, and there is no maximum number of children.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition below must be true.
- Western Australian resident:
state = WA. The payment is only for WA families. - Has dependent children:
dependent_children = true. You must be responsible for at least one dependent child. - At least one primary or kindergarten student:
primary_school_children_count >= 1. The child must be enrolled in kindergarten or primary school.
There is no income or assets test in this rule - eligibility turns on residency, having dependent children and a current kindergarten or primary enrolment.
If you also have a secondary student, that child is covered by the separate $250 secondary stream rather than this $150 primary stream, so families with kids in both stages can qualify for both.
How To Apply
The channel is online through the Western Australia Department of Education, and no supporting evidence is required.
- Apply online once the relevant annual round opens.
- No documents to upload - the Department verifies enrolment.
- Check the official page each year for round dates and the claim window.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: one kindergarten child
Aisha in Joondalup has one child starting kindergarten this year. She applies online when the round opens and receives $150, which covers the new uniform and a set of library books.
Scenario 2: two primary-school children
The Nguyen family in Mandurah has two children in years 2 and 5. With two eligible primary students they receive $300 for the year, helping with school camp and excursion fees.
Scenario 3: primary plus secondary
Liam and Sophie in Bunbury have one child in year 4 and one in year 8. The year-4 child draws $150 from this primary stream and the year-8 child draws $250 from the secondary stream, for $400 across the household.
Scenario 4: three young children
Priya in Geraldton has three children in kindergarten, year 1 and year 3. All three are eligible primary or kindergarten students, so she receives $450 for the year.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking it is means-tested: this rule has no income or assets test - residency, dependent children and a primary or kindergarten enrolment are what matter.
- Waiting for a 2026-27 budget version: it is a standing annual program. The rate is $150 per primary student and a new round opens each year regardless of the budget cycle.
- Missing the round window: the payment is paid in annual rounds (2024 Round 1, 2025 Round 2, 2026 Round 3) - claim while the relevant round is open.
- Confusing it with the secondary payment: primary and kindergarten students draw $150 each; secondary students are covered separately at $250 each.
- Assuming you must send receipts: no evidence is required - it is not a reimbursement of specific costs, it is a flat per-student payment.
- Counting only one child when you have more: the payment is $150 for every eligible primary or kindergarten child, with no cap on the number of children.
Related Benefits
- WA Student Assistance Payment (Secondary) - $250 per secondary student.
- KidSport - WA vouchers towards club sport fees for children.
- WA Household Electricity Credit - a credit on your power bill.
- WA State Concession Card - a card unlocking WA concessions.
- Family Tax Benefit Part A - federal payment for children aged 0-12.
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance - federal help with private rent for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the WA Student Assistance Payment for primary students?
It is a flat $150 per eligible kindergarten or primary student, each year. Two eligible children means $300, three means $450, and so on.
Is there an income test?
No. The rule has no income or assets test. You qualify based on living in WA, having dependent children and having at least one child enrolled in kindergarten or primary school.
Do I need to provide receipts or evidence?
No. No supporting evidence is required. It is a per-student payment, not a reimbursement of specific school costs.
Is this a new 2026-27 budget measure?
No. It is a standing annual program. A new round opens each year (2024 Round 1, 2025 Round 2, 2026 Round 3) and the rate has stayed at $150 per primary student.
What if I have both primary and secondary students?
Each stage is covered separately. Primary and kindergarten students draw $150 each, and secondary students draw $250 each, so you can qualify for both.
How do I claim it?
Apply online through the Western Australia Department of Education when the relevant annual round opens. No documents need to be uploaded.
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