The Health Care Card (HCC) Tuition Fee Discount Scheme was introduced in 2005. The aims of introducing this Scheme are twofold; Invoices for school fees will be sent to each family via the eldest child. An annual fee statement will be sent home in Term 1 (by week 3-4) which includes a 5% discount applicable for payment of total annual fees if paid in full by the due date. Fees may be paid annually or term-by-term basis. Payments made via direct deposit are welcome.

The Health Care Card (HCC) Tuition Fee Discount Scheme

• To reduce the financial burden on families with limited financial resources currently in the system;
• To reduce the financial barrier that prevents Catholic families from accessing a Catholic education.

At the same time it is hoped the process of accessing a fee discount for those in need will be greaty simplified and that a consistent approach applied across the system will increase public awareness of a policy and practice that has long existed in Catholic education.

Holders of a means tested family Health Care Card, or holders of a means tested Pensioner Concession Card are eligible to apply.

Catholic schools will call for eligible HCC holders to present their card and to complete a form. Once this has been done, the discount will be automatically applied. Forms are also available from the school office upon request.

It is also important to note that the underlying principle that financial hardship will not preclude a child from attending a Catholic school does not only apply to eligible Centrelink Card holders.

All families experiencing financial difficulty are entitled to fee assistance according to need and that establishing a policy specifically for HCC holders does not preclude holders of other cards and non-HCC holders of other cards and non-HCC holders from seeking assistance. The principal of the school should be contacted to discuss such matters.