Argentina suspends educational voucher penalties for unpaid school fees

The Argentine government has implemented a significant change to the 'Vouchers Educativos' program to protect students' educational trajectories amid rising delinquency rates. Through Resolution 505/2026, the Secretariat of Education has suspended the application of articles that previously allowed for the suspension or cancellation of benefits due to unpaid school fees.

Under the previous regulations, schools were required to report monthly on students with arrears. Missing two consecutive payments would result in a suspension of the voucher, while accumulating three or more unpaid installments led to the permanent cancellation of the benefit. With this new measure, these penalties are frozen until December 31, 2026, meaning families can continue receiving assistance even if they have outstanding debts with private institutions.

The decision comes as the Association of Private Teaching Institutes of Argentina (AIEPA) reports that household delinquency has risen to approximately 11%, up from 7% the previous year. The program remains available to families with children up to 18 years old attending private schools that receive at least 75% state funding, provided family income does not exceed seven Minimum Vital and Mobile Wages. While the debt-related penalties are suspended, other requirements, such as maintaining regular student status, remain in effect.