Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Extra help with school costs and options for lower-cost laptops
Key takeaways
- There’s support available to help with school costs, depending on where you live.
- Lower-cost laptop options and programs can make devices more affordable.
- Your school or Family Partnership Coordinator can help you find and access support
If you are finding it hard to keep up with school costs, you’re not alone. Many families feel the same way, especially when costs add up or change unexpectedly.
The good news is that support is available. Each state and territory offers different kinds of support to help cover the cost of school.
This support can include help with:
- uniforms or activities
- excursions or camps
- school supplies
What’s available, and who can access it, depends on where you live.
Find support in your state or territory
Choose your state below to see what help might be available for your family:
Help with lower-cost laptops and devices
Laptops and computers are an important part of learning, but they can be expensive.
Some families choose refurbished laptops. These are pre-owned devices that have been checked, repaired and are ready for use. They usually cost much less than buying new.
Many places sell refurbished laptops, including our partner, WorkVentures. You can also explore In the Click and Community Laptops.
It’s a good idea to shop around and think about what your child needs for school before choosing a device.
Please note: We don’t partner with In the Click or Community Laptops. They’re shared as options for you to explore, so it’s important to make sure any provider is the right fit for your needs.
Some programs can also help make devices more affordable. One option is SaverPlus, a 10‑month matched savings program. You can save up to $500 and receive up to $500 in matched savings to use towards a laptop.
You may also be able to explore other support options, like:
Talk to your child’s school
If you’re finding school costs hard to manage, you can also talk to your child’s school.
Most schools have financial assistance programs for families. Depending on what state or territory you are in, your school may also have support programs to help with access to a laptop or device. Each school is different, so it’s best to talk to your school to find out how they might be able to help.
Most schools have financial assistance programs for families. Depending on what state or territory you are in, your school may also have support programs to help with access to a laptop or device. Each school is different, so it’s best to talk to your school to find out how they might be able to help.
We are here for you
We know it’s not always easy to reach out. You might feel nervous, unsure what to say, or have had past experiences that make it harder.
Your Family Partnership Coordinator is here to support you. They can:
- help you understand what options are available
- talk with the school alongside you, if that’s helpful
- connect you with other services or supports
You don’t have to work this out on your own. Support is available, and we’re here to help.
You can find your Family Partnership Coordinator’s contact details in My Smith Family
Updating your digital access information
Letting us know what technology you and your child have access to at home helps us understand what support might suit your family. You can check and update your Device and Internet details in My Smith Family at any time.
My Smith Family
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