When a child gets ABSTUDY Fares Allowance, there are different responsibilities for the parent or guardian and supervisor.
Parent or guardian responsibilities
As a parent or guardian, you agree to do some things if your child gets this payment.
You must contact your child’s boarding school or hostel either:
- at least 7 weeks before your child needs to travel
- as soon as possible if they’re travelling for compassionate reasons.
If your child is travelling there for the first time, you’ll need to tell the boarding school or hostel. You’ll also need to tell the boarding school or hostel if your child needs a supervisor to travel with them.
You must also:
- not tell someone to collect your child mid-trip, as they could miss travel, and you could owe money
- check if you need to take your child to their travel arrangements and collect your child when they return
- call your child’s school as soon as possible if you’re not sure about travel arrangements for your child.
You should also make sure your child does all the following:
- knows their responsibilities as a traveller
- packs only clothes and personal items they need
- knows their travel arrangements and has their itinerary
- has photo identification that matches the name on their ticket
- follows the travel carrier’s rules at the transport terminal, including getting there early
- understands they shouldn’t leave the transport terminal for any reason.
As the parent or guardian, you should know your child’s travel arrangements and their itinerary. If they need extra baggage or you’re unsure of the baggage limits, discuss this with the boarding school or hostel.
You must provide your child’s school or hostel with your contact details before your child travels.
Supervisor responsibilities
As a supervisor, you are responsible for the safety of students when travelling. You should also know each student’s travel arrangement and their itinerary.
As a supervisor, you must do all the following:
- carry your itinerary with you always
- have photo ID that matches the name of your ticket
- bring any medications you need
- have a contact number for the school, including one for after hours.
You must travel at the booked time unless changes have been approved by us. You must also report any travel changes or delays to your student’s school straight away.
You must meet the rules of the travel carrier. This includes all the following:
- baggage weight and size allowances
- transport terminal rules including getting there early
- behaviour standards and expectations.
You’re required to travel non-stop during your trip, unless there’s special circumstances pre-approved by us. If you’re travelling on a connecting trip, you need to stay at the transport terminal.