B47/1990 VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) INCREASE IN RATES FOR 1991

DATE OF ISSUE:14 DECEMBER 1990

VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) INCREASE IN RATES FOR 1991

The rates of education allowance and the formula for income testing of allowances payable under the VCES have been approved for 1991.

The Education Allowances for 1991 are set out in Attachment A.  These have been aligned with the corresponding rates under the Assistance to Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme and AUSTUDY.

The level of allowable personal income for students over 16 years has increased from $3,000 in 1990 to $4,000 for 1991.  As before, income above this level will result in a reduction in Education Allowance payable of $1 for each $2 earned.  Details are in Attachment B.

PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLEMENT

VCES students who are eligible for DTEC (Dependant Treatment Entitlement Card), and as a result for Pharmaceutical Supplement, will have an additional payment of $5 per fortnight from 1 November 1990.

This payment is not an increase to VCES rates and will be indexed annually in September to align with the indexation of the patient contribution fee for pharmaceuticals.

These approved rates and formula will apply to all eligible students for the calendar year commencing 1 January 1991.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Georgina Denney on (06) 289 6451.

PETER HAWKER

NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

BENEFITS PROGRAM

DECEMBER 1990