WA Student Assistance Payment – Amount, Eligibility, and how to claim?

WA gov launches $103.5M Student Assistance Payment for households with school-aged kids. Offers $250 for secondary, and $150 for primary and kindergarteners. Application via the ServiceWA app for first round opens on April 15 and closes on June 28, 2024.

WA Student Assistance Payment

The West Australian government recently introduced the Student Assistance Payment program, allocating $103.5 million to provide financial support to households with school-aged children amidst the national cost-of-living crisis.

This initiative offers up to $250 for secondary school students and $150 for primary students and kindergarteners, accessible through the ServiceWA app.

Applications for the first round of WASAP will open on Monday, April 15, 2024. The claim window will close on June 28, 2024.

WA Student Assistance Payment Eligibility 

Student Enrolment:

• Must be enrolled in Kindergarten to Year 12 at a:
  • Public school
  • Non-government school
  • Registered home schooling program
• Students enrolled in the School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) are also eligible.
• Students attending community-based courses can claim WASAP.

Student Status:

• All Western Australian students with a valid WA student number can qualify.
• This includes full fee-paying international students enrolled in a WA registered school.
• Mature age students studying for a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) are eligible.

Who Can Claim?

• Primary Caregivers: Parents, guardians, or approved carers responsible for the student.
• Students Aged 18 or Over: Students can claim on their own behalf if they are enrolled in an eligible program.
• Independent Minors: Students who meet the criteria for independent status as defined by the Department of Education (verification from the school principal required).
• Young Carers: As defined by the WA Carers Recognition Act (2004).

• There are no income or means testing requirements for WASAP.
• Students in family-based care arrangements with approved carers are eligible.
• This is a one-time payment per student for the current school term.

• Students enrolled in universities or TAFE are not covered under WASAP.
• Students attending schools outside of Western Australia are not eligible.

Claiming the WA Student Assistance Payment

Preparation (Before Applications Open):

• Download the ServiceWA App: This is the preferred method for claiming WASAP. The app is available for free on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
• Set Up Your Digital Identity: You’ll need a digital identity verified through myGovID to access the ServiceWA app functionalities.
  • If you already have a myGovID, ensure it’s active and up-to-date.
  • New users can create a myGovID account through the myGov website (

Claiming Process (Opens April 15, 2024):

• Open the ServiceWA App: Log in using your verified digital identity.
• Locate the WA Student Assistance Payment Section: Look for designated buttons or menus related to WASAP claims within the app.
• Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The app will guide you through the claiming process, including providing student and payment details.
• Submit Your Claim: Once all information is entered correctly, submit your claim electronically.

WA Student Assistance Payment Amount

The WA Student Assistance Payment (WASAP) provides financial relief to Western Australian families by offering a one-time payment per student for the current school term. The amount you receive depends on the student’s year level:

• Kindergarten and Primary School Students: These students are eligible for a $150 payment. This can help cover essential expenses like books, stationery, uniforms, and school supplies.
• Secondary School Students: Students enrolled in Secondary School (Years 7-12) will receive a higher payment of $250. This increased amount aims to address the typically higher costs associated with secondary education, such as textbooks, specialised equipment, and potential excursion fees.

• There is no differentiation in payment amounts based on the type of school (public, non-government, or home schooling).
• The payment is not based on family income or means testing. All eligible students receive the designated amount for their year level.

What should I do if I haven’t received a response after the expected time frame?

Typically, responses are processed within 2-3 weeks for most of the year, with a possibility of a longer processing time of 4-6 weeks from April through August 2024.

Double-Check the Timeline:

• The application window for the first round of WHATSAPP opens on April 15, 2024, and closes on June 28, 2024. 
• If you submitted your claim outside this window, you won’t receive a response until the next application period.

Verify Your Claim Submission:

• Ensure you successfully submitted your claim through the ServiceWA app.
• Check your app history or confirmation emails (if available) to verify.

Alternative Follow-Up Methods (if Necessary):

• After a reasonable waiting period (around a week or two after the expected response timeframe), you can consider contacting the Department of Education for further information.