SCHOOL EXPENSES

We all want the best for our kids, that’s why school expenses such as fees, uniforms, books, sports and camps, can cause a lot of stress.

If you’re worried about school expenses, consider these steps.

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If you’re worried about school expenses, consider these steps

01

Work out what you can afford to pay

If you’re struggling to pay back money you owe, the first thing to do is to work out what you can actually afford to pay by doing a simple budget. How to work out what you can afford to pay.

If you can afford to pay something
Start paying the amount you can afford and get in touch with your creditor straight away to put a repayment agreement in place.

If you can’t afford to pay anything
Call us on 1800 007 007 straight away for advice.

02

Stop paying school fees and expenses by direct debit

If your school expenses are being paid by a direct debit, consider cancelling it. Check with the school first about other payment methods.

There are many advantages to stopping direct debits:

  • You have more control over your payment amount
  • You decide when you make payments
  • You won’t get charged for overdrawing your savings account.

Read more about cancelling direct debits.

03

Contact your school

Public schools

School fees are not compulsory in public schools. If you cannot afford to pay the fees do not pay them. You are not required to pay them. If the public school demands fees get advice.

If you want to contribute, pay what you can afford. Explain to the school that you can afford the full expenses but will contribute what you can and when you can.

You can also ask the school for financial assistance when you cannot afford basic compulsory items like a uniform, school excursion and basic school supplies. Many schools have funds set aside to cover expenses for families in financial hardship

Independent and Private Schools

Contact your school as soon as possible and ask to speak to the principal or school financial manager. Explain that you’re having difficulty paying fees.

If you are behind in fees, the school can ask your child to leave and/or pursue any outstanding debt from you. Aim to keep paying what you can afford and put an agreed payment plan in place.

When talking to the school ask about:

Hardship policies

If the school has a hardship policy, try to negotiate a payment plan that you can afford and confirm it in writing.

Student assistance schemes

In most states and territories there’s some form of student assistance scheme that can help families on a low income. Ask your school if they have access to such a scheme.

Waiving the debt

In some cases the school might waive the debt. A school may waive or reduce your fees or debt if:

  • you have had a long association with the school; or
  • your child brings some academic, sporting or other curricular prestige to the school.

You might even suggest performing a professional or other service for the school in exchange for the fees or debt being reduced or waived.

Changing schools

If you can’t afford the fees for the foreseeable future you might need to change schools. Try to negotiate this so it is as painless as possible for your child.

04

If you can’t agree, dispute it

If you can’t come to an agreement that you think is fair, or you believe money is being claimed you don’t owe get advice from us on your options.

05

Speak to one of our financial counsellors

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help to deal with your financial hardship, you can speak with one of our financial counsellors.

Financial counsellors aren’t judgmental about your circumstances – they’re here to offer you free, confidential and independent advice and assistance.

To speak to a financial counsellor you can:

  • Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 – open Weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
  • Use our live chat service by clicking the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. Live chat is available 9:00 am to 8.00 pm weekdays. If you send a message outside these hours a financial counsellor will get back to you.
  • Make an appointment to see a financial counsellor in your local area – Find a local Financial Counsellor.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Private schools may take you to court and/or ask your child to leave the school if you can’t afford school expenses and don’t do anything about it.

If you can’t afford the school expenses and you don’t do anything about the arrears, a private school may take you to court and/or ask your child to leave the school.

If the school gets a court judgment, it can be enforced, which means a portion of your wage may be taken, your possessions may be seized or you could be made bankrupt. If you’re in this situation, contact us immediately on 1800 007 007.