B51/1991 VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) - INCREASE IN RATES FOR 1992

DATE OF ISSUE:  14 November 1991

VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) - INCREASE IN RATES FOR 1992

The rates of Education Allowance and the formula for income testing of allowances payable under the VCES have been approved for 1992.

The Education Allowances for 1992 are set out in Attachment A. These have been aligned with the corresponding rates payable under the Assistance to Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme and AUSTUDY.

The level of allowable personal income for students over the age of sixteen has increased from $4000 in 1991 to $5000 for 1992.  As before, income above this level will result in a reduction in Education Allowance payable of $1 for each $2 earned.  Details are at Attachment B.

There has been no increase in the amounts payable in respect of Additional Tuition and Special Assistance, the rates payable in 1991 will continue to apply in 1992.

PETER HAWKER

NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

BENEFITS

ATTACHMENT A

RATES OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

1.Maximum fortnightly rates of Education Allowance payable from 1 January 1992 (VCES - 4.8.1)

AGE GROUPAT HOMEBOARDING/INDEPENDENT                             LIVING AWAY

FROM HOME

$$$

Secondary

.under 16 years              *20.00              128.30              211.80

Secondary/Tertiary

.16 to 17 years              128.30              211.80              211.80

.18 or over              154.20              234.20              234.20

Double Orphans

.under 16 years                                          128.30

.16 to 20 years                                          234.20

.21 or over                                          277.70

*This rate applies to those beneficiaries receiving this rate in 1991 and all new applicants/entrants. (NB: Beneficiaries who have been receiving the '1987 frozen rate' of $38.40 a fortnight will continue to receive this rate in 1992.)

2.Primary students (Veterans' Children Education Scheme - 4.2.1)

An annual lump sum of $100.00 will be made in respect of primary school children Years 1-6.

ATTACHMENT B

INCOME TESTING ON ALLOWANCES FOR 1991

In assessing the rate of education allowance payable to a student under VCES, only the income of the student (excluding disability pension), will be taken into account.

The formulae which shall apply in the calculation of education allowances are as follows:

(a)rate of allowable income

for students over 16 years:$5,000

(b)rate of reduction:  allowances shall be reduced by $1 for each $2 above the rate of allowable income.