The transport assistance eligibility criteria for students attending primary and secondary schools have been released.

Minister Filipe Bole in a statement said Cabinet has decided that the main eligibility criterion is that of the total combine income of families and only students from families whose total household income is $15,000 or less will be eligible for this transport assistance.

Bole said however special consideration will be given to those families above the $15,000 threshold, provided good reasons are given for the hardship they face.

He adds applications will have to be assessed by the Department of Social Welfare for the consideration of the Permanent Secretary for Education.

Bole said application forms for transport assistance will be available from schools as from the second week of January or from Post Offices, adding parents and students are urged to collect the application forms and complete, and return to their school on enrolment day for endorsement by the Head Teacher or Principal.