B34/1994 VETERANS CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) - PAYMENTS TO OVERSEAS STUDENTS

DATE OF ISSUE:  8 AUGUST 1994

VETERANS CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) - PAYMENTS TO OVERSEAS STUDENTS

Purpose

The purpose of this instruction is to advise that approval has been granted by the Minister for Veteran's Affairs to extend the VCES to allow payments to students living outside Australia where the Repatriation Commission is of the opinion that special circumstances exist.

Background

2.   An application for VCES education allowance was received from a war widow living in the UK.  Part 2.6 of the Scheme stipulated at that time that to receive benefits under the Scheme a student must be undertaking study in Australia.  This conflicted with the purpose of the Scheme to "....provide financial assistance; student support services; arrange guidance and counselling for eligible children to help them achieve their full potential in education or career training  ".  The purpose is equally valid for eligible children living overseas.

3.On 23 May 1994 the Minister for Veterans' Affairs signed an Instrument of Approval to vary the VCES to allow payments to be made to students living outside Australia.

Amendment of the Scheme

4.   Action will be taken to conform to the Ministerial Instrument by inserting the words ...."except in circumstances considered by the Commission to be considered exceptional" within the introductory words of Part 2.6.1 of the Scheme.  The intention is to leave the issue within the Commission's control and any future cases involving VCES payments to students living overseas are to be submitted to it for consideration on the individual facts.

TONY ASHFORD

NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR (BENEFITS)