Discretionary transport award
Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to get their child to and from school. If your child is not eligible for home-to-school travel support, you may still be eligible for help.
We may offer discretionary home to school travel support in exceptional circumstances, but you must provide evidence that shows why you cannot do this. The evidence should include any social, medical, financial or personal reasons.
Examples of these reasons – called 'exceptional circumstances' – include:
- a medical condition of the child
- a medical condition of a parent or carer
- family living in temporary accommodation and on the housing register
- parent or carer moving into a refuge
- walking route is unsafe
- child has been excluded from school
- complex social circumstances affecting the family
It is very unlikely we will offer support if your child is attending a school of your choice and it is not the nearest suitable school.
This does not apply if we placed your child at the school because it was the nearest suitable school with places available.
When completing a discretionary travel assistance you will have to provide information about your income and expenses as we may offer support but require you to pay some or all of the cost. We make sure that when families are charged, they are not disadvantaged financially.
In some cases, you may also have to provide medical evidence.
How to apply
Use the form on our apply for support page. This form will ask if you would like to apply for discretionary travel assistance if your child is not eligible for help.