C54/1997 VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) -

DATE OF ISSUE:  12 NOVEMBER 1997

VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) -

RATES OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE FOR 1998

The purpose of this instruction is to advise the rates of education allowance for VCES in 1998.

The increased rates are set out in Attachment A and are effective on and from the first payday in January 1998.

The education allowance for students under 16, primary students, and double orphan rates is indexed annually in line with CPI for the twelve months to June 1997.

Education allowance rates for students over 16 is increased annually and aligned with the maximum rates for AUSTUDY as determined by the Department of Employment, Education and Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA).

The education allowance rate for double orphans under 16 and for students under 16 who live away from home is aligned with the rate for Assistance to Isolated Children (AIC) as determined by DEETYA.

The Government intends to introduce a Youth Allowance initiative to replace various types of youth payments including AUSTUDY.  When this occurs, a new Departmental Instruction will be issued for VCES rates which will then reflect the Youth Allowance payments.

The contact officer for enquiries on these rates is Marie Leach, Disability Compensation Branch, National Office on (02) 6289 6046.

PETER REECE

Division Head

Compensation and Support

Attachment A

VCES ALLOWANCES FOR 1997

The rates of education allowance (VCES Part 3) effective from 1 January 1998 are:

Primary Students

The annual education allowance for primary students is $160.00

Secondary/Tertiary (fortnightly rates)

At HomeLiving AwayHomeless

From HomeStudents

Under 16 years              $33.00$160.83              $240.07

16 - 17 years              $145.41              $240.07$240.07

18 years and over                            $174.90$265.39              $265.39

Double orphans (fortnightly rates)

Under 16                            $160.83

16-20 Years                            $265.39

21 years and over                            $322.42