4.2.2 Applying Rules 1 and 2 (distance to school) Rules 1 and 2 are based on the distance between the and the nearest . 4.2.2.1 Evidence requirements A on the basis of Rule 1 or Rule 2 does not have to be supported by evidence to confirm geographical isolation. However, additional information may be requested to independently verify the claim at any time. 4.2.2.2 Measuring distance to school Where there is no transport service and one cannot be made available, the distance from the principal family home to the school is measured from the front door of the home to the school by the shortest practicable route. Where a transport service is available or could be made available if requested, the shortest practicable route is: the distance from the home to the nearest available transport service by the shortest practicable route; plus the distance from the transport service to the school by the route used by the service (or connecting services). Where morning and afternoon transport services differ in length, the average of the two is taken. 4.2.2.3 Nearest available transport service The nearest available transport service is the nearest pick-up point for any regularly scheduled public transport, private carrier or school service going to the school or connecting with other transport going to the school. This includes a pick-up point that the carrier would make available if the were to request transport to a local school. 4.2.3 Applying Rule 3 (reasonable access) Rule 3 applies where the : does not have reasonable access to an for at least 20 school days in a year because of adverse travel conditions or other ; or would not have such access if they did not board away from home, live in a second home or study by . Adverse travel conditions or circumstances may include impassable roads due to special weather conditions, lack of access to a vehicle or inability to drive for medical reasons, and other unusual circumstances of isolation (e.g. the student lives on an island that is not serviced by regular public transport). Other circumstances beyond the family’s control may be approved, provided they are supported by independent evidence that clearly establishes the circumstance and impact on the student’s daily access to schooling. 4.2.3.1 Student without reasonable access A student does not have reasonable access to an appropriate state school if, for at least 20 school days in a year they either: cannot get to school;
5.1.6 Payee for allowances Allowances may be paid direct to the applicant or to an agent nominated by the applicant (e.g. the school, a private board provider or the ). However, irrespective of who receives the payment, the applicant remains responsible for any overpayment that may occur. 5.2 Boarding allowances This section outlines the purpose, rates and eligibility requirements for AIC Scheme boarding allowances. There are two boarding allowances: the Basic Boarding Allowance (), which is payable to all who board away from home; the Additional Boarding Allowance (), which is subject to the and the (see ) and boarding costs. Basic Boarding Allowance Additional Boarding Allowance Actual boarding charges Full-time boarders Part-time boarders Short-term boarders 5.2.1 Basic Boarding Allowance See for current Basic Boarding Allowance rates. 5.2.1.1 Purpose Basic Boarding Allowance is intended to contribute towards the costs incurred by in boarding a away from home to have daily access to appropriate schooling and who meets an isolation condition or special need. 5.2.1.2 Eligibility To qualify for the Basic Boarding Allowance, a student must: meet the eligibility conditions in Parts 2, 3 and 4 of these Guidelines; live away from home in an approved boarding arrangement during school term; not be receiving a pension (the Pensioner Education Supplement is available for students receiving certain pensions; see ); and not have been formally placed in full-time residential care at a by a state or territory authority that provides a foster care allowance (or a similar allowance intended for the upkeep of the student) to the organisation that operates that institution. 5.2.1.3 Approved boarding arrangements A boarding arrangement at a boarding school, hostel or special institution is an approved boarding arrangement.