C06/2012 Changes to the arrangements regarding special financial assistance determinations under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)

Amends DI No.

C16/2007

Replaces DI No.

N/A

Purpose

The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to inform you of an interim change in the determination process of applications for special financial assistance under Part 5 of Repatriation Instrument 1992 No. 11 for eligible VCES/MRCAETS recipients.

Background of Special Financial Assistance

Under part 5.3 of Instrument 1992 No. 11, eligible students can receive special financial assistance where a Board or Commission considers that exceptional circumstances, beyond the control of the student, have hindered or will hinder a student's progress.

New Determination Process

There is no change in the procedure for the application process.

However, effective from the date of this Departmental Instruction, all applications for special financial assistance will now be determined by the First Assistant Secretary, Rehabilitation and Support, via the Policy Officer, Education Schemes.

Please note that this is an interim measure of approximately 6 months, with a  review of the outcome of this measure to be conducted after this time.

Contact Officer

All queries relating to this DI should be directed to Marten Sneddon in the Liability and Service Eligibility Policy Section on extension x16216.