The purpose of this proposed hardship policy is to help out families with genuine financial hardship.

A: Questions about Hardship

1. What is the hardship policy?

   The hardship policy means that fees will be reduced by 25%.

   2026 Discounted fees for:
   1st and 2nd child	$202.50
   Subsequent children	$101.25

2. When can the hardship application be applied for?

   All hardship applications must be submitted at least ONE MONTH PRIOR to invoices being sent out. i.e., hardship pricing only applies from the time of submission and cannot be applied retroactively.

   We send out quarterly invoices on the 20th of January, April, July and October. For example, the hardship application must be submitted by the 20th of December for concession prices to be applied for the following year.

   SUBMISSION APPLICATION DATES:

   Application due by:	Duration for:
   20th December 2025	Whole year 2026

   ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE HARDSHIP APPLICATION - IT IS VALID FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.

   PLEASE NOTE: If you enter into hardship during the year, the hardship application needs to be in by the following dates:

   20th March 2026	Second Invoice issued: 20th April 2026
   20th June 2026	Third Invoice issued: 20th July 2026
   20th September	2026 Fourth Invoice issued: 20th October 2026

   We are not able to adjust invoices already issued unless evidence is provided to prove extenuating circumstances.

   On 20th December each year, all hardship concessions revert back to full pricing unless we are supplied with an updated current hardship application submitted in writing by email to accounts@benevolenceaustralia.org at least ONE MONTH PRIOR.

   It is the responsibility of all applicants to make sure BeneKids Finance Department receives a new and updated hardship application in time for the relevant year.

3. How are hardship applications assessed?

   Hardship applications are assessed based on the applicants eligibility (see point 6) and submitted documentation. It is reviewed by the Finance Team in consultation with the Principal.

4. How often are hardship applications assessed?

   Hardship applications are assessed as they are received and all hardship applications are reviewed annually as a minimum.

5. When does a hardship application expire?

   All hardship applications last a maximum from 1st January to 20th December. If the concession card expires prior to 20th December, then the concession discounts will expire on the expiry on the presented concession card. The applicant must send the updated card through to the finance team.

6. What is the eligibility for the hardship application?

   There are 2 categories:

   TYPE A: Concession Card Holders

   Must be in the name of the parent/guardian.

   An electronic copy of the front and back of the card must be attached to the application.

   Only the following concession card* holders are accepted:

   1) Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

   2) Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card

   3) Low Income Health Care Card

   4) Pensioner Concession Card

   5) Health Care Card who receive the following payments/supplements from the government (valid documentation must be provided):

   a) AUSTUDY

   b) Carer Allowance

   c) Carer Payment

   d) Family Tax Benefit Part A

   e) Farm Household Allowance

   f) Newstart Allowance

   g) Parenting payment

   h) Partner allowance

   i) Sickness allowance

   j) Special benefit

   k) Widow allowance

   * Cards must either be clearly identified of its type (e.g. clearly written on the card itself “Pensioner Concession Card” or accompanied by other forms of proof such as a government confirmation letter or a bank statement showing recent payments).

   TYPE B. Any other types of concession card holder or non-concession card holder must provide the following:

   1. A couple of paragraphs describing the financial hardship and why they should receive assistance.

   a) Based on the paragraphs provided, the Finance Team will determine what evidence is to be sighted*. This would be a case by case basis and could include the following documents as proof of genuine financial hardship:

   1) Concession card (that is not included in the above category)

   2) Two most recent pay slips for both the individual and their partner (if applicable)

   3) Most recent Income Tax Return for both the individual and their partner (if applicable).

   4) A declaration from their accountant, or other financial advisor.

   *Evidence shown in person and not to be sent electronically.

   b) Finance team to decide if a hardship application is approved or rejected.

7. How to apply for the hardship application?

   Email us at admin.bk@benevolenceaustralia.org stating which hardship form you need and it will be emailed to you.

   (Please refer to which type of hardship form you need to fill out in Question 6)

Hard copies will also be available at the office in Room K516 at BeneKids once Term 1 begins.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Principal at: principal@benevolenceaustralia.org.