C16/2007 Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) Limits for Additional Tuition and Special Financial Assistance Effective from 1 January 2007

Amended by DI No.

C — 06/20 — 1 — 2

Replaces DI No.

C15/2002

Purpose

The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to advise the new maximum annual limits for Additional Tuition which may be approved by locations under 5.3 of the VCES.

Background

Under the VCES the Repatriation Commission may arrange for a student to receive Additional Tuition and, in exceptional circumstances, recommend that Special Financial Assistance be provided.  The Scheme provides for the maximum level of these benefits to be set by the Repatriation Commission.

In 2002 the previous limits were set at:

Additional Tuition – annual limit

Primary student        $1,300

Secondary student   $1,600

Tertiary student        $2,000

Special Financial Assistance – annual limit

All students              $2,000

In February 2006 the Military Rehabilitation Compensation Commission approved the limits for Additional Tuition and Special Financial Assistance under the Military Rehabilitation Compensation Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) at $2000 per annum for all students.

New Limits

The Repatriation Commission has agreed that the Additional Tuition rates under the VCES be increased to $2,000 per annum for all students across all levels of education.

Special Financial Assistance rates under VCES remain at $2000 per annum.

Where there is a need for assistance beyond these limits the National Manager Veterans' Compensation has delegation to approve an additional $2,000 per annum for both types of assistance.  Any application for a higher amount must be approved by the Repatriation Commission.

Contact officer

Any questions regarding this DI should be directed to Denise Mallinson, VCES Adviser on extension 16313.