13.3.6 Double Orphan Rate

13.3.6 Double Orphan Rate

See paragraph 3.6A of the VCES Instrument

A VCES student who is a double orphan and who is also a secondary or tertiary student is entitled to be paid an education allowance at the higher double orphan rate for the purpose of the student’s education and training.

There is no such category of persons as ‘double orphans’ under MRCAETS and so no change in the rate of education allowance provided to orphans under MRCAETS. However please also note the advice provided at 13.2.6.3 of this Manual regarding payments to orphans under VCES and MRCAETS.

Situations where living parent can not provide care for student

Where one parent is deceased and the second parent is alive but unable – due to incapacity or absence – to maintain the child, double orphan rate may still be applicable.

A double orphan rate is payable whenever the child is not being maintained by any parent, step parent or adoptive parent. This is in line with the VEA rules for Double Orphan pensions under s30(2)(b) of the VEA which provides that if there is a widow or widower of the veteran, but the child is not being maintained by a parent, adoptive parent or step‑parent, then the higher, double orphan rate is payable.