C07/2000 Changes to the Pensioner Education supplement

Purpose

The purpose of this Departmental Instruction is to provide information about changes to the Pensioner Education Supplement and its effect upon DVA pensioners.

R J HAY

BRANCH HEAD

INCOME SUPPORT

What is Pensioner Education Supplement

Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) is a payment that provides help with ongoing costs of study for recipients of some Centrelink and DVA income support payments.

PES legislation is contained in the Social Security Act 1991 and is paid through Centrelink.

Changes to PES from 1/3/00

The Further 1998 Budget Measures Legislation Amendment (Social Security) Act 1999 introduced a change to the PES legislation from 1 March 2000.

The change means that if a person receives PES to do part-time study and the study load is less than 50 per cent, the rate of PES will be $30 per fortnight.

However, invalidity service pensioners are exempt from this change and continue to be eligible for payment at the rate of $60 per fortnight.

PES Eligibility for DVA pensioners

A DVA pensioner may qualify for PES if they are studying and receiving either:

• invalidity service pension (ISP);
• partner service pension – if the partner receives ISP; and
• widow/ers under Parts II or IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 – if they have a dependent child.

Claiming PES

DVA pensioners wishing to claim PES should be advised to claim through their nearest Centrelink Office.

More information on PES

More information:

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/guides_acts/ssg/ssguide-3/ssguide-3.8/ssguide-3.8.3/ssguide-3.8.3.10.html